How Basketball’s Draymond Green Enthused Over Hockey Prospect Macklin Celebrini at a Junior League Game and the Impact It Could Have on the Warriors and Sharks
In the event that the Sharks secure the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 NHL Draft Lottery, they will have the opportunity to choose top prospect Macklin Celebrini. Not only will this addition to their team represent a franchise-altering talent on the ice, but it will also bring a locker room presence with a good sense of humor.
A story from January 2023 shared by ESPN’s Emily Kaplan recounted an amusing incident involving Draymond Green leading a group of Warriors players and coaches to watch Macklin play a junior hockey game for the Chicago Steel in Geneva, Illinois. Despite leaving the game early after the second period, Green and his teammates missed seeing Celebrini score a goal in the third period.
After the game, Macklin hilariously remarked to his father, Rick, that he found his games boring and had never left early. This humorous comment was passed on to the Warriors’ locker room the following day, resulting in laughter among the team.
Despite this unconventional outing to watch a junior hockey game, Green’s willingness to support Macklin demonstrates his understanding and appreciation of the sports world. The Warriors had a tough loss to the Bulls after their Saturday night in Geneva, but Green’s interest in hockey’s rising star remained unwavering.
For Macklin Celebrini himself, this kind of attention from one of basketball’s biggest stars is no doubt exciting and motivating as he continues to pursue his dream of becoming an NHL player. And for both teams involved – The Warriors and The Sharks – this new development promises exciting times ahead as they continue to compete at highest level on both sides of sports spectrums.
Overall acquiring Celebrini as number one overall pick would fulfill Sharks’ quest for a game-changing talent while bringing laugher and positive energy into their locker room with him being son of Rick Celebrini who serves as director of sports medicine and performance for Golden State Warriors
