Why Draymond Sees Similarities Between Sharks’ LeBron and Celebrini originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area
Draymond Green may be the greatest Macklin Celebrini Fan in the world.
And if the four-time NBA champion hadn’t already done his case is clearhe took the time to tell reporters about the rookie center’s greatness after the Warriors’ 123-118 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies Friday night at Chase Center.
How so?
Draymond compared Celebrini’s current scenario with the Sharks to that of Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James with the Celeveland Cavaliers when he was an 18-year-old NBA rookie in 2003.
“When are you compared to adults at 18? Man,” Green told reporters. “LeBron James was compared to the greats at 18, and he survived. Mack has that thing, and I think if you compare him to the greats at 18, regardless of people’s hopes or thoughts of what he will become, he will surpass it. And I can’t wait to watch it.
Before being selected as the first overall pick in the 2024 NHL Draft, Celebrini thrived at Boston University, where he became the youngest winner of the Hobey Baker Award given to the best player in college hockey.
As a result, Celebrini, who turned 18 in June, has drawn comparisons to future Hall of Famers such as Sidney Crosby and Jonathan Toews by leading NHL analysts.
But Green explained how he’s known about Celebrini’s star potential for years, as Macklin’s father, Rick, joined Golden State in 2018 as the team’s director of sports medicine and performance.
“Well, I’ve known him since I was 10,” Green said. “When you see someone walk in with their hockey stick the moment you meet them.
“I had a conversation with him and I told him, ‘Yo, you’re going to be the No. 1 pick… at 12. And seeing it come to fruition, and knowing the work that he’s done and everything that he’s doing. cons, what a special talent to be 18 years old, and there are nights when he is the best player on the ice.
“I mean, wow.”
A fierce competitor himself, Green pointed to Celebrini’s mentality and tenacity on the ice as key assets in his game, which he says the Sharks center has possessed from his USHL days in Chicago.
“I went to see Mack play when he played with Chicago when we were in Chicago,” Green recalled. This guy came in and threw it away. Crazy Chuck.
“And Mack came back on the field and threw the guy. The guy didn’t fall. He came back and skated to the penalty box. When your best player has this type of attitude, it sets your organization up for success.
Green, who Celebrini recently called a “super fan,” demonstrated his support for San Jose’s future several times this season.
On Friday, the Warriors’ star forward did it again – and it probably won’t be the last. After all, he expects nothing less than greatness from Celebrini for years to come.
“He seems so much more advanced,” Green concluded. “His brain is as good, if not better, than his skills.
“And his skills are already among the best in the league. I am impressed by him to say the least. I can’t wait to see him pursue greatness.
