Warriors’ Film Session Paused as Team Rallies Around Olympic Star Macklin Celebrini
SAN FRANCISCO, February 22, 2026 – The Golden State Warriors’ preparation for their Sunday matchup against the Denver Nuggets took a backseat today as players and coaches paused their film study to cheer on Team Canada’s Macklin Celebrini in the Winter Olympics. Celebrini, the 19-year-vintage son of Warriors VP of Player Health and Performance Rick Celebrini, is competing for a gold medal against Team USA early Sunday morning. The Warriors have closely followed Celebrini’s run, with coach Steve Kerr noting the young hockey star possesses a rare combination of talent, leadership, and maturity – qualities Kerr likened to Stephen Curry. The team has shared in the Celebrini family’s joy, with players like Moses Moody and Gary Payton II expressing their admiration for Macklin and his family, and eagerly anticipating the gold medal game. Kerr even playfully ribbed Rick Celebrini, joking about his “poor parenting” despite Macklin’s success.
Warriors’ Film Session Paused as Team Rallies Around Olympic Hopeful Macklin Celebrini
San Francisco, CA – The Golden State Warriors’ preparation for their Sunday matchup against the Denver Nuggets took an unexpected turn on Friday as players and coaches paused their film study to rally around a member of their extended family: Macklin Celebrini, son of Warriors’ vice president of player health and performance, Rick Celebrini.
A Family Affair: From Warriors Facility to Olympic Stage
Celebrini, a 19-year-old hockey sensation, was competing in the Winter Olympics semi-final game for Team Canada against Finland. “We had half the team watching the final two minutes of the game,” Warriors coach Steve Kerr revealed after Saturday’s practice. “Because it was 2-2, and it was 10 o’clock, and we’re supposed to be starting film. Nope, we’re gonna watch to see what happens.”
Rick Celebrini has been a fixture with the Warriors since 2018, and Macklin has frequently utilized the team’s facility for training. This close connection fostered a strong bond between the Celebrini family and the Warriors organization, making Macklin’s Olympic journey a shared source of pride.
Did you know? Macklin Celebrini was the first overall pick in the 2024 NHL Draft before becoming a worldwide hockey sensation.
Kerr Sees Leadership Qualities Echoing a Warriors Legend
Despite admitting a limited understanding of hockey, Kerr was struck by Macklin’s poise and impact on the ice. “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,” Kerr noted.
The Warriors coach went on to draw a surprising parallel between Celebrini and one of his own star players. “It’s not just the talent — it’s the intangibles. And Macklin seems to have the intangibles,” Kerr explained. “Not to craft the Steph comparison, but that’s what it takes to be a superstar.”
Beyond Macklin: A Family’s Athletic Prowess
The support extends beyond Macklin, with Warriors players like Moses Moody acknowledging the entire Celebrini family’s athletic ability. Moody highlighted Macklin’s “silent confidence” and noted the impressive skills of his younger brother, RJ, an up-and-coming hockey player.
“Mac, he’s got that silent confidence, too,” Moody said. “I don’t know him for real, but being around him, he doesn’t overdo it. You can tell he’s working.”
Pro Tip: Building strong relationships within an organization can create a supportive environment that extends beyond professional boundaries, fostering a sense of community and shared success.
A Lighthearted Jab from Coach Kerr
Kerr couldn’t resist a playful jab at Rick Celebrini, jokingly attributing Macklin’s success to his mother, Robyn. “Especially in the face of such poor parenting growing up,” Kerr quipped. “I don’t know how he’s been able to overcome (it). Thank God for Robyn – that’s what I always say. The mom clearly has done all the work.”
Kerr fondly recalled witnessing Robyn compete in full-court basketball games against her sons at the Warriors’ former practice facility, highlighting the family’s overall athleticism.
Gold Medal Game Focus: Warriors’ Support Continues
As Team Canada prepares to face Team USA in the gold medal game on Sunday, the Warriors’ support remains unwavering. Gary Payton II plans to wake up early to watch the game live, while Kerr joked about potentially TiVoing it before the Warriors’ game against the Nuggets.
“It’s unreal,” Payton said. “The kid’s unreal. I feel like he’s gonna conclude up being one of those when it’s all said and done, like Wayne (Gretzky), Sid (Crosby), Alex (Ovechkin), Mac. So it’s exciting to see from the start and see where it goes, and it’s going pretty damn quality right now, and I’m excited. I’m rooting for Mac, for sure.”
FAQ
Q: What is Rick Celebrini’s role with the Golden State Warriors?
A: Rick Celebrini is the Warriors’ vice president of player health and performance.
Q: When was Macklin Celebrini drafted into the NHL?
A: Macklin Celebrini was the first overall pick in the 2024 NHL Draft.
Q: What did Steve Kerr compare Macklin Celebrini to?
A: Steve Kerr compared Macklin Celebrini’s intangibles to those of Stephen Curry.
Q: When is the gold medal game?
A: The gold medal game is on Sunday at 5 a.m. PT.
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