Macklin Celebrini: The Rising Star Captivating the Warriors and the Hockey World

Macklin Celebrini: From Warriors’ Practice Court to Olympic Stardom

Of all the stars the Golden State Warriors have nurtured, Macklin Celebrini, a hockey prodigy, might become one of their brightest success stories. The son of Rick Celebrini, the Warriors’ esteemed Vice President of Player Health and Performance, 19-year-old Macklin has rapidly ascended to superstar status in the NHL with the San Jose Sharks and on the international stage with Team Canada at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan.

A Miraculous Ascension

This remarkable rise has captivated not only the hockey world but also the entire Warriors organization. As Team Canada prepares for their highly anticipated gold medal match against Team USA, Warriors coach Steve Kerr shared his excitement about the young athlete they once watched honing his skills after practice with his father and some of the players.

“It’s been so fun,” Kerr said. “Yesterday, at the film session, we had half the team watching the final two minutes of the game, because it was 2-2. It was 10 o’clock, and we’re supposed to be starting film, and we’re like, ‘Nope, we’re gonna watch to see what happens.’”

Canada advanced past Finland in a thrilling final minute of the third period, with Celebrini leading the team in ice time with an impressive 25:53 TOI – a remarkable feat for a player of his age.

From Hardwood to Ice: A Versatile Athlete

Before dominating the ice, Celebrini showcased his athleticism on the basketball court. Kerr fondly remembers the numerous 2-on-2 full-court games Macklin and his brothers played in the Warriors’ facilities after practice, often joined by their mother, Robin, to even the playing field.

“You want to see an athletic family in action,” Kerr laughed. “It’s one of the fun parts of the job, seeing the families be a part of it… It’s one of the best parts of the job. When we finish games, every game, win or lose, we open up the doors to the family room, and the kids come flooding in, and it’s just awesome.”

Kerr cherishes the opportunity to witness these informal games, a testament to the special bond between players, coaches, and their families. It’s a chance to create lasting memories and gain valuable perspective.

Early Recognition of Greatness

While it’s debatable whether Kerr and the Warriors recognized Celebrini’s potential early on, Moses Moody, who rehabbed alongside him over the summer, always sensed greatness within him. He playfully referenced the LeBron James phenomenon of recognizing talent from the start.

Moody is particularly impressed by Macklin’s younger brother, RJ, noting his “silent confidence and competitiveness.” He believes RJ is also destined for success. He also highlighted Macklin’s composure and work ethic, describing him as a “thinker, more than a talker.”

Comparisons to Curry and Predictions of Stardom

Kerr likened Celebrini’s maturity and leadership qualities to those of Stephen Curry, emphasizing the intangible traits that cannot be taught. Gary Payton II went even further, predicting that Celebrini will become a legend alongside hockey greats like Wayne Gretzky, Sidney Crosby, and Alex Ovechkin.

A Special Pride for the Warriors Organization

For the Warriors organization, witnessing Celebrini’s growth from a young boy shooting hoops to a global superstar is a source of immense pride. They’ve had a front-row seat to his development, and the joy is palpable, especially for Rick Celebrini.

As Macklin Celebrini continues his journey, the Warriors and the hockey world will be watching with anticipation. His story is a testament to hard work, dedication, and the power of family support.