The Sharks’ acquisition of Macklin Celebrini as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 NHL Draft Lottery is set to bring a franchise-altering talent to their team. Not only will he be an asset on the ice, but he will also bring a locker room presence with a good sense of humor.
In January 2023, ESPN’s Emily Kaplan shared a story about Draymond Green leading a group of Warriors players and coaches to watch Macklin play junior hockey for the Chicago Steel in Geneva, Illinois. Despite leaving early after the second period, Green and his teammates missed seeing Celebrini score a goal in the third period. After the game, Macklin jokingly remarked that he found his games boring and had never left early. This comment was passed on to the Warriors’ locker room the following day, resulting in laughter among the team.
Despite their loss to the Bulls after their Saturday night in Geneva, Green’s interest in hockey’s rising star remained unwavering. For the Sharks, acquiring Celebrini as the No. 1 overall pick would fulfill their quest for a game-changing talent. The potential addition of the talented soon-to-be 18-year-old Celebrini to their roster promises exciting times ahead for both teams.
Green’s unconventional outing to watch a junior hockey game highlights his willingness to support emerging talent outside of basketball. His interest in hockey underscores his understanding and appreciation of different sports worlds and demonstrates his versatility as an athlete and fan.
Acquiring Celebrini as the top prospect in the draft lottery is not only significant for its potential impact on Sharks’ success but also because it represents a shift towards valuing diversity and inclusivity within sports teams. As more athletes from different backgrounds enter professional sports leagues, teams must recognize that diverse perspectives can lead to innovative strategies and successful outcomes.
Overall, if acquired by Sharks as number one pick, Macklin Celebrini will not only add value on ice but also bring some fun and humor into their locker room culture, making them even more dynamic than they already are!
