Macklin Celebrini, a 19-year-old hockey standout for the San Jose Sharks, has been a breakout performer at the 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics, drawing widespread attention for his impressive skills. His success is particularly notable in the Bay Area, where his ties to the Golden State Warriors run deep—his father, Rick Celebrini, has served as the Warriors’ director of sports medicine and performance since 2018, forging a special connection between the hockey star and the NBA franchise.
During the Olympic tournament, Celebrini has scored five goals and provided five assists over five games, captivating not only hockey fans but also the Warriors’ coaching staff and players who have been closely following his performance from afar.
Steve Kerr Shares Enthusiasm for Celebrini’s Olympic Journey
Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr expressed genuine excitement about Celebrini’s achievements in an interview on 95.7 The Game’s Willard and Dibs show. Kerr recounted how the entire team gathered to watch the Canada game’s tense final moments, highlighting the personal connection felt throughout the Warriors organization.
“This has been so much fun for all of us, but especially for Rick and his family to watch Macklin,”
Kerr told Mark Willard and Dan Dibley.
“This morning, we were getting ready to start our film session, and the Canada game was 2-2 in the final minutes. Basically the whole team was watching the last two minutes. We saw them score, and everybody went nuts. We’re all so thrilled for Macklin and his family and Rick. So it’s been fun to follow.”
Though Rick Celebrini has taken time away from his duties with the Warriors to support his son in Milan, Kerr noted that they remain in daily contact. Kerr also plans to watch the upcoming gold medal game between Canada and the United States, even though it begins at 5 a.m. Pacific Time.
“I love my country, and I love the Celebrini family,”
Kerr remarked when asked about his allegiance during the final match.
Inside the Warriors’ Admiration for Celebrini’s Growth
Following a Warriors practice session, Kerr further reflected on Celebrini’s rapid development and praised the young athlete’s presence both on and off the ice. He also humorously referenced the vital role of Celebrini’s mother, Robyn, in supporting her son’s growth.
“It’s been so fun when they flash to Rick and the family in the stands, you know, to see the joy on their faces, the pride,”
Kerr shared with reporters.
“And then watching Macklin — I don’t know a ton about hockey, but it’s pretty obvious that at 19 he’s one of their most trusted players and seems to be on the ice an awful lot at the most critical times.
Pretty remarkable at that age that he can become that trusted, that good, this quickly, especially in the face of such poor parenting growing up. I don’t know how he’s been able to overcome. Thank God for [Rick’s wife] Robyn [Celebrini], that’s what I would say. The mom clearly has done all the work.”
Kerr, a seasoned coach familiar with legendary figures like Michael Jordan, Tim Duncan, and Steph Curry, acknowledged that Celebrini possesses a rare blend of talent and intangibles usually developed over many years.
“What I feel is that Macklin has the combination that is so rare of incredible talent and unbelievable leadership, maturity, humanity. Just he gets it. He gets it, at 19,”
Kerr explained.
“It usually takes guys years to be mature enough to understand how to compete, how to conduct yourself, how to treat your teammates, and not to make the Steph comparison, but that’s what it takes to be a superstar. It’s not just the talent, it’s the intangibles, and Macklin seems to have the intangibles.
I couldn’t have told you that, you know, five years ago when he was in here training or even two years ago. We just knew he was a really good prospect, but yeah, it’s impressive to watch.”
Warriors Players Echo Praise for Celebrini’s Skills and Character
Several members of the Golden State roster have voiced admiration for Celebrini’s ability and poise. Gary Payton II, known for his passionate statements, compared Celebrini’s potential to some of hockey’s all-time greats, urging fans in the Bay Area to tune in to the Olympic games.
“Five a.m., go watch Mack. All right?”
Payton instructed at a recent press conference.
“Everybody wake up in the Bay. Go watch Mack.”
“It’s unreal. The kid’s unreal. I feel like when it’s all said and done, he’s going to end up being one of those, like: Wayne, Sid, Alex, Mack.”
Gary Payton II on Macklin Celebrini- h/t Danny Emerman
Alongside Payton, Moses Moody highlighted Celebrini’s quiet confidence and thoughtful demeanor during their interactions with the Sharks star.
“Like this silent confidence and competitiveness, composure,”
Moody said.
“I’ve seen something; he’s got that look in his eye. But Mack, he’s got that silent confidence too. Well, I don’t know him for real, but, like, being around him, he doesn’t overdo it, but you can tell he’s working, he’s precise. In conversation, you can just tell when somebody’s a thinker more than a talker type of guy, and that’s how he seems like.”
The Broader Impact of Celebrini’s Emergence
Macklin Celebrini’s ascent is capturing the imagination of not just hockey enthusiasts but also athletes and coaches in other sports. His blend of skill, leadership, and maturity at such a young age is unusual and draws comparisons to superstars across leagues. For the Golden State Warriors, many of whom have their own championship experience, Celebrini represents a rising star whose journey they have witnessed from his early days training at their facility.
As Celebrini continues to compete in the Olympic gold medal game, his performance is expected to further elevate his profile internationally. His rise offers a compelling example of cross-sport admiration and the interconnectedness of athletic excellence, inspiring both the Warriors and their Bay Area fanbase to rally behind one of hockey’s brightest young talents.
Steve Kerr talked about the team’s excitement around Macklin Celebrini success in the Olympics:
“Macklin has the combination that is so rare, of incredible talent and unbelievable leadership… Not to make the Steph comparison, but that's what it takes to be a superstar.” pic.twitter.com/1fo3uxHUHD
— Kenzo Fukuda (@kenzofuku) February 21, 2026
Gary Payton II has a message for the Bay Area pic.twitter.com/I9KLAV7hC4
— Ben Ross (@BenRossTweets) February 22, 2026
Gary Payton II on Macklin Celebrini:
“It’s unreal. The kid’s unreal. I feel like when it’s all said and done, he’s going to end up being one of those, like: Wayne, Sid, Alex, Mack.”
GP2 was there when Celebrini scored for the Sharks in his NHL debut. Been following ever since.
— Danny Emerman (@DannyEmerman) February 21, 2026
Moses Moody, after making a joke about that popular LeBron James meme, says he could always tell Macklin Celebrini would be special. Also shouted out Macklin’s little brother RJ. pic.twitter.com/gXPHGUJoBT
— Joseph Dycus (@joseph_dycus) February 21, 2026
