Macklin Celebrini: The Top NHL Prospect Who Chose Hockey Over Hoops

Macklin Celebrini, the presumptive No. 1 NHL draft pick, has a rich sports heritage. His father, Rick, works for the Golden State Warriors, and his uncle is NBA legend Steve Nash. Yet, Celebrini has chosen a different path – hockey.

Despite having a strong basketball background, Celebrini acknowledges his limitations, joking that his father would say, “I’m a hockey player playing basketball.” He humbly admits he wouldn’t stand a chance against Steph Curry.

Celebrini’s focus is on his upcoming NHL draft, where the San Jose Sharks are expected to select him first. At 6 feet and nearly 200 pounds, he’s poised to become a key building block for the Sharks, who have missed the playoffs for five seasons.

Celebrini’s connection to the Bay Area runs deep, having played for the Junior Sharks after his family relocated in 2018. His father, Rick, was hired by the Warriors as VP of player health and performance, a role he previously held with the Vancouver Canucks and Whitecaps.

Rick Celebrini initially hoped his son would play soccer, but Macklin’s passion for hockey was evident from a young age. “He showed an affinity for hockey at four or five years old,” Rick said.

“His determination, love, and passion were clear. He was born to be a hockey player.” Macklin Celebrini is ready to take the NHL by storm, leaving basketball to his famous relatives.