Sharks Star Macklin Celebrini Responds To ‘great' Steph Curry's Heartfelt Advice

Sharks star Macklin Celebrini responds to ‘great' Steph Curry's heartfelt advice originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

Up-and-coming Sharks superstar Macklin Celebrini is grateful for the advice he received from Warriors legend Steph Curry about being patient while maintaining joy.

San Jose’s prized 19-year-old responded to Curry’s heartfelt intel in a sit-down with NBC Sports California’s Alan Hoshida.

“Something to take to heart for sure,” Celebrini said. “Something to listen to. I mean, he’s one of the all-time greats.”

Curry extended a long message to Celebrini, the son of Golden State’s beloved director of sports medicine and performance, about the trials and tribulations of being an up-and-coming, local icon with NBC Sports Bay Area’s Monte Poole and Bonta Hill on the latest edition of “Dubs Talk.”

“Patience is the hard thing for a young guy coming into a tough situation, where your team hasn’t won in a long time, [and it’s] trying to figure out the right identity, the right combination of guys that could get to that next level, become a playoff team and take the necessary steps,” Curry said.

“But don’t lose your joy though it all, because it’s tough in the beginning when all you want to do is win,” Curry added. “It’s kind of out of your control, but if you can keep getting better through it.”

Celebrini, whom the Sharks selected with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 NHL Draft, is the key piece in San Jose’s rebuilding phase. And while the Sharks definitely are one of the NHL’s more fun teams, the franchise still has a way to go before it can bring home the coveted Stanley Cup.

The second-year NHL star explained why Curry’s advice means so much to him.

“I think it’s the way he is as a person,” Celebrini said. “You ask anyone how well he treats people. For him being who he is and accomplishing all that he’s done and just being a great person through it all, I think that’s the most important thing.

“And as an athlete, just his work ethic and his drive, even now, when he’s done all you can do in the game of basketball and he wants to just keep winning and keep driving the team.”

When Curry speaks, Celebrini listens, as the NBA sharpshooter knows what it takes to be part of both a rebuilding team and a dynasty. 

Curry’s emphasis on maintaining a love for playing also stuck with Celebrini.

“Like anyone, you get frustrated,” Celebrini said. “The game’s not perfect, and you go through hard times and there’s ups and downs. But whenever I’m having fun and enjoying myself, that’s usually when I’m playing my best.”

The Sharks, led by Celebrini, are on a promising trajectory. And Curry, earlier in his 17-year NBA career, was in a similar position, which is why the pair of Bay Area stars greatly respect and admire each other.

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