Macklin Celebrini's hockey future affected father Rick's turning down of San Antonio Spurs opportunity

Modified Jul 05, 2024 04:38 GMT

Macklin Celebrini's hockey career played a crucial role, in his father, Rick Celebrini's, decision-making process in 2018. Rick, a physiotherapist working with elite athletes, had to choose between offers from the NBA's Golden State Warriors and San Antonio Spurs. Reflecting on the decision on the Spittin Chiclets podcast, Macklin Celebrini highlighted how his hockey development influenced his father's choice.

He recounted, "So he started off with the Vancouver Whitecaps and the MLS in Vancouver. So he worked with them for a while and then three years into his contract with the Whitecaps he signed with the Canucks. So he worked with them for four years before he moved down. He also opened this physiotherapist center in Burnaby."

Rick Celebrini faced a critical career juncture when both the Warriors and Spurs extended NBA job offers to him. Macklin highlighted,

"And then he got presented this opportunity with San Antonio, but then right after that Golden State reached out to him. And so he went over there as well."

For Rick, the decision wasn't just about him; it also deeply considered Macklin's hockey career. Macklin explained,

"One of the factors that went into making that decision was, would there be hockey there? Would there be a good program where we could keep playing and like training? So that was a big thing that went into that."

Ultimately, Rick chose to join the Golden State Warriors, initially relocating alone while the family remained in Vancouver before moving together a year later.

At 18, Macklin Celebrini was set to be San Jose's top pick in the NHL draft after an impressive freshman year at Boston University. He was on track to potentially be the first overall selection, having won the Hobey Baker Award as the youngest recipient. His standout season was 32 goals and 64 points in 38 games for the Terriers.

Macklin Celebrini Reflects on Sharks Development Camp

Macklin Celebrini was the center of attention at the San Jose Sharks' 2024 Development Camp, which drew a packed Tech CU Arena. Despite not scoring, Celebrini assisted on the sixth and seventh goals for Team White.

Reflecting on the experience, Celebrini said according to The Hockey News,

"It's been amazing. Meeting all the staff, I mean, the draft was very busy, and I've met a lot of people, and a lot of it I forget. Actually getting here and putting names to faces and really creating that relationship is really cool."

During introductions, Celebrini received the loudest ovation, which shows the excitement surrounding his potential with the Sharks.

"It's amazing. Obviously, there's a lot of excitement here. I mean, with the group we have, a lot of young guys, and we're growing here together," he remarked.

When asked about handling media attention, Celebrini remained composed, stating,

"You got to put it all in perspective. This is why we play. We love the game."

Regarding his future decision, Macklin Celebrini mentioned that he would make his decision shortly after camp, keeping fans eagerly awaiting.