Why Draymond sees similarities between LeBron and Celebrini of Sharks originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area
Draymond Green is perhaps the greatest Macklin Celebrini fan in the world
And if the four-time NBA champion didn’t already his case clearhe took the time to explain to reporters the size of the rookie center after the Warriors’ 123-118 win over the Memphis Grizzlies on Friday night at Chase Center.
How then?
Draymond compared Celebrini’s current situation with the Sharks to that of Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James with the Cleveland Cavaliers when he was an 18-year-old NBA rookie in 2003.
“When do you get compared to the greats at 18? Man,” Green told reporters. “LeBron James was compared to the greats at 18 years old, and he lived through it. Mack has that thing, and I think being compared to the greats at 18 years old, whatever people’s hopes or thoughts about what he is going to happen, he’s going to get over that and I’m looking forward to watching it.”
Before being selected as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 NHL Draft, Celebrini thrived at Boston University, where he became the youngest-ever winner of the Hobey Baker Award as college hockey’s top player.
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 detailed how he knew about Celebrini’s star potential for years, since 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 he was 10 years old,” Green said. “When you see someone come in with their hockey stick the moment you meet them.
“I had a conversation with him and was like, ‘Oh, you’re going to be the first pick … at 12. And to see that come true, and to know the work that he’s done and everything that he’s doing. against, like, what a special talent to be 18 years old, and there are nights where he’s the best player on the ice.
“I mean, wow.”
A fierce competitor himself, Green pointed to Celebrini’s mindset and tenacity on the ice as key strengths in his game, which he claims the Sharks’ center has had since 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 dumped him. Crazy chuck.
“And Mack came back down the yard and dumped the guy. The guy didn’t fall. He went straight back to him and skated to the penalty box. When your best player has that kind of attitude, it sets your organization up for success.”
Green, whom Celebrini recently called a “superfan” of his, proved his support for San Jose’s future several times this season.
On Friday, the Warriors star did it again — and it likely won’t be his last. After all, he expects nothing but greatness from Celebrini for years to come.
“He just seems a lot more advanced,” Green concluded. “His brain is as good, if not better, than his skills.
“And his skill set is already one of the best in the league. I’m impressed with him, to say the least. I look forward to seeing him chase greatness.”
