French footballer Kylian Mbappé and rising NBA stars rock Hublot at 2022 draft

Zach Blass

Last week, the 2022 NBA draft was held at the Barclay’s Center in Brooklyn, New York. In attendance was champion French footballer and Hublot ambassador Kylian Mbappé, strutting the red carpet wearing his Big Bang Integrated King Gold.

Kylian Mbappé — NEW YORK, NEW YORK – JUNE 23: Kylian Mbappe poses for photos on the red carpet during the 2022 NBA Draft at Barclays Center on June 23, 2022 in New York City (Photo by Arturo Holmes/Getty Images).

While of a different sport, Mbappé’s presence actually serves as an interesting window into the future for those who were just drafted by NBA teams. As a well-established international sports star, he conveys a sense of “what could be”. Many, regardless of their career paths, discuss the idea of a “five year plan” – where someone aims to be, or work towards, in five years. Mbappé, who really broke through as a football superstar in 2016, effectively reveals to these newly minted NBA professional athletes where the next five years could possibly lead them.

NEW YORK, NEW YORK – JUNE 23: Bennedict Mathurin poses for photos on the red carpet during the 2022 NBA Draft at Barclays Center on June 23, 2022 in New York City wearing the Spirit of Big Bang Pavé (Photo by Arturo Holmes/Getty Images).

The draft is a powerful moment to watch, as it is the culmination of all the hard work these athletes have had to put it in over the years. All of the blood, sweat, and tears leading to this moment – everything these individuals have been striving towards. It is where aspirations become reality. This is why it is also strong moment for Hublot to position their timepieces on the wrists of both rising and established athletes. It may seem superficial, but the imagery of all these athletes wearing Hublot, especially for younger viewers, is heavily associated with the idea of “making it”. You can see Canadian forward Bennedict Mathurin manifesting his future of success, sharply dressed with a Spirit of Big Bang Pavé on his wrist as he is drafted by the Indiana Pacers.

Baylor Bears forward, European Jeremy Sochan (right), was drafted to San Antonio Spurs and wore the Big Bang Unico Essential Grey timepiece. Memphis Tiger’s center and ACC Freshman of the Year, Jalen Duren (left), wore the Big Bang Unico Sapphire and was drafted to the Charlotte Hornets.

Horological die-hards can be dismissive of ambassadorships and product placement. But this sentiment is ultimately ignorant of the fact that, while superficial luxury in the grand calculus of the universe, the association between athlete and timepiece is one of drive and inspiration. Watches have long been markers and mementos of milestones, and for many aspiring to “make it”, both in and out of the world of sports, Hublot timepieces are the wrist-trophies that can meaningfully embody their perseverance and achievement.