Why Draymond Sees Similarities Between Sharks’ LeBron and Celebrini initially appeared on NBC Sports activities Bay Space
Draymond Inexperienced will be the best Macklin Celebrini Fan on this planet.
And if the four-time NBA champion hadn’t already carried out his case is evidenthe took the time to inform reporters in regards to the Sharks’ rookie middle after the Warriors’ 123-118 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies on Friday evening at Chase Middle.
How so?
Inexperienced in contrast Celebrini’s present state of affairs with the Sharks to that of Los Angeles Lakers celebrity LeBron James with the Cleveland Cavaliers when he was an 18-year-old NBA rookie in 2003.
“When are you in comparison with adults at 18? Man,” Inexperienced advised reporters. “LeBron James was in comparison with the greats at 18, and he survived. Mack has that factor, and I feel when you evaluate him to the greats at 18, no matter folks’s hopes or ideas of what he’ll develop into, he’ll surpass it. And I am unable to wait to look at it.
Earlier than being chosen as the primary general decide within the 2024 NHL Draft, Celebrini thrived at Boston College, the place he grew to become the youngest winner of the Hobey Baker Award given to the very best participant in school hockey.
In consequence, Celebrini, who turned 18 in June, has drawn comparisons to future Corridor of Famers corresponding to Sidney Crosby and Jonathan Toews by main NHL analysts.
However Inexperienced defined how he is identified about Celebrini’s star potential for years, as Macklin’s father, Rick, joined Golden State in 2018 because the group’s director of sports activities drugs and efficiency.
“Properly, I’ve identified him since I used to be 10,” Inexperienced stated. “If you see somebody stroll in with their hockey stick the second you meet them.
“I had a dialog with him and I stated, ‘Yo, you are going to be the No. 1 decide… at 12.’ And seeing that come to fruition, realizing the work he is put in and the whole lot he is coping with, what a particular expertise to be 18 years previous, and there are nights the place he is the very best participant on the ice.
“I imply, wow.”
A fierce competitor himself, Inexperienced pointed to Celebrini’s mentality and tenacity on the ice as key belongings in his recreation, which he stated the Sharks middle has possessed from his USHL days in Chicago.
“I went to see Mack play when he performed with Chicago once we have been in Chicago,” Inexperienced recalled. “This man got here in and threw it. He’s loopy.
“And Mack got here again on the sphere and threw the man. The man did not fall. He got here again and skated to the penalty field. When your finest participant has one of these perspective, it units your group up for achievement.
Inexperienced, who Celebrini not too long ago referred to as a “tremendous fan,” demonstrated his help for San Jose’s future a number of occasions this season.
On Friday, the Warriors’ star ahead did it once more – and it most likely will not be the final. In spite of everything, he expects nothing lower than greatness from Celebrini for years to come back.
“He appears a lot extra superior,” Inexperienced concluded. “His mind is nearly as good, if not higher, than his expertise.
“And his expertise are already among the many finest within the league. I’m impressed by him to say the least. I can’t wait to see him pursue greatness.
