Mitchell, Passed Over in Draft, to Try Out With Boston Celtics

Colorado State forward Mike Mitchell, snubbed in the NBA draft Wednesday, will have a tryout with the Boston Celtics, according to his agent.

The 6-foot-8 Mitchell was invited to the Celtics’ July 21 camp, and his agent, Fred Slaughter of Santa Monica, began negotiations with the team Thursday.

Mitchell, who played for Mater Dei High School, led Colorado State in scoring (19.5 points per game), rebounding (6.7) and steals (2.0) last season.

Mitchell thinks he may have been hurt in the draft by playing in Colorado State Coach Boyd Grant’s patient, defense-oriented system.

“One of the things, I guess, that set me back was that I was not one of those players who was always taking shots,” Mitchell said. “I was the kind of player who made the next pass. I guess when I get to camp, I’ll have to come in and take the shot first, then worry about passing second.”