Macklin Celebrini: Can Sharks Star Follow Stephen Curry as Bay Area's Next Big Athlete?

A collaborative effort between the Golden State Warriors and the San Jose Sharks is showing increased progress, with completion anticipated within a few years.

Mar. 3, 2026 at 7:39am

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SAN FRANCISCO – A collaborative effort between the Golden State Warriors and the San Jose Sharks, beginning in 2018, is showing increased progress in recent weeks, with completion anticipated within a few years. The renewed momentum is linked to San Jose Sharks player Macklin Celebrini, who is seen as potentially succeeding Stephen Curry as the Bay Area's most watchable athlete.

Why it matters

The connection between the two franchises extends beyond the ice and the court, with Macklin Celebrini's father, Rick Celebrini, serving as the vice president of player health and performance for the Golden State Warriors since the 2018-19 season. This family connection could provide a unique advantage for Macklin as he navigates his professional career, potentially accelerating his development and integration into the Bay Area sports landscape.

The details

Macklin Celebrini was drafted No. 1 overall by the Sharks in 2024, and some believe he could reach the level of hockey legends like Wayne Gretzky, Sidney Crosby, and Alex Ovechkin. The Sharks, after years of struggling, are showing signs of improvement, mirroring the Warriors' early trajectory. Warriors coach Steve Kerr believes Celebrini has a valuable example to learn from in Curry, noting Curry's generosity with advice and ideas.

  • Construction began in 2018 and has 'inched along ever since,' but has accelerated significantly in the past two weeks.
  • Macklin Celebrini is currently in his second season with the San Jose Sharks and was hailed as a potential franchise player when drafted No. 1 overall in 2024.
  • Rick Celebrini was in the room for the celebration when Stephen Curry won his first NBA Finals MVP Award in 2022.

The players

Macklin Celebrini

A San Jose Sharks player who is seen as potentially succeeding Stephen Curry as the Bay Area's most watchable athlete.

Rick Celebrini

The vice president of player health and performance for the Golden State Warriors since the 2018-19 season and the father of Macklin Celebrini.

Stephen Curry

A 38-year-old NBA player for the Golden State Warriors who has acknowledged the natural progression of his career.

Gary Payton II

A Golden State Warriors guard-forward who believes Macklin Celebrini could reach the level of hockey legends like Wayne Gretzky, Sidney Crosby, and Alex Ovechkin.

Steve Kerr

The head coach of the Golden State Warriors who believes Celebrini has a valuable example to learn from in Curry, noting Curry's generosity with advice and ideas.

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What they’re saying

“Exposure to the Warriors' environment 'demystifies it' and makes success 'more human.'”

— Rick Celebrini

“Macklin could reach the level of hockey legends like Wayne Gretzky, Sidney Crosby, and Alex Ovechkin.”

— Gary Payton II, Golden State Warriors guard-forward

“Celebrini has a valuable example to learn from in Curry, noting Curry's generosity with advice and ideas.”

— Steve Kerr, Warriors coach

What’s next

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The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.