Old-timers may say we don't play defense anymore (and that may be true to an extent), but the level of talent in the NBA from top to bottom has never been higher than it is now. And the talent at the top is so ridiculous that Stephen Curry, the greatest shooter in the history of the game, came off the bench at this year's All-Star Game.
On top of that, NBA spectator games are arguably better than ever. The overall interest and appreciation for the watches we talk about every day seems to have increased among NBA players since he spoke with the likes of JJ Redick and Andre Iguodala. To prove it, we zoomed in on the wrists of 16 of this year's All-Stars (including a very recent Talking His Watch guest) to see what they've been wearing over the past few years.
Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks: Breitling Superocean Automatic 44
An NBA Champion, two-time NBA MVP, eight-time All-Star, and Breitling Ambassador, “The Greek Freak” is one of the most unique and dominant players in the game. Here he is, competing in his 2024 All-Star weekend wearing a Superocean Automatic 44. During his dunk contest, Giannis was wearing Shaquille's O'Neal blazer just before McClung jumped him to earn his second straight victory, so it was hard to miss this one. .
Joel Embiid, Philadelphia 76ers: Rolex Day-Date
Photo: Philadelphia 76ers Twitter
Last year, then-teammate James Harden presented Embiid with the Rolex after he won the league MVP award. We know teammate Tobias Harris is a real watch guy for the 76ers, but an engraved Day-Date from a teammate who won the league's highest individual award is pretty special. As we pray for Embiid's speedy recovery, we will continue to reflect on this iconic clock moment. We won't be able to see him on the court tonight in the All-Star Game, but we look forward to seeing him in the playoffs.
Jayson Tatum, Boston Celtics: Richard Mille RM 010
The four-time All-Star appears to be growing his Richard Mille collection. Here he is wearing the titanium RM 010 with the brand's green strap. It will be interesting to see which model he picks up after the Celtics win the 2023-24 NBA Championship (just a slight attempt at a title rendition by Will Holloway: Resident Celtics) obsessive).
Tyrese Haliburton, Indiana Pacers: Cartier Clash
No player has been more of a star this year than Tyrese Haliburton (with apologies to the New York Knicks' Jalen Brunson). His game is unconventional but very good just like his Clash of Cartier. In fact, this crush has a little backstory that unfolded on Mike Nouveau TikTok. He and Four+One graduate Zoe Abelson personally delivered the watch to him after a home game in Indiana earlier this season. Obviously he loves his new watch.
Damian Lillard, Milwaukee Bucks: Tissot PRX Damian Lillard Special Edition
It's Dame Time. And these days, when eight-time NBA All-Star Damian Lillard checks his time, it's on his just-released 40mm Tissot PRX Powermatic 80 Damian Lillard Special Edition. This brand new interpretation of the PRX format features a dial he texture consisting of the numeral His 0, his number, and a silhouette of Lillard in a “Dame His Time” pose on the case back. This watch collaboration with the NBA's official timekeeper is a blast, especially for die-hard fans of the game.
Donovan Mitchell, Cleveland Cavaliers: Patek Philippe Nautilus
He may not be the first name that comes to mind when you think of NBA superstars, but we feel Mitchell's time is near. His watch game is already there – here he was spotted wearing what appears to be a Patek His Philippe Nautilus His 5712 at the 2023 US Open in New York City It has been.
Julius Randle, New York Knicks: Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Music Edition
When we filmed Talking Watch with Julius Randle last year, we thought Julius was really into two things: basketball and watches. He bought the AP Royal Oak Music Edition to commemorate his All-Star appearance last year. It will be interesting to see how he commemorates this year's selection.
Trae Young, Atlanta Hawks: Rolex Day-Date
A three-time All-Star, “Ice Trey” is known for his endless shooting range and deep interest in watches. Here he is wearing a gold Day-Date with a gold dial and diamond indexes that looks very fitting as he arrived at a game in Toronto last year. I would like to pay attention to his tunnel walk tonight.
LeBron James, Los Angeles Lakers: Richard Mille RM 11-03
People like to compare LBJ and MJ, but let's be real. They have two very different games and played in very different eras of the NBA. There's nothing better than trying your best, right? Here, the GOAT of his generation and NBA's all-time leading scorer wears the Richard Mille RM 11-03 last December. But over the past few years, we've seen LeBron wear everything from RMs to APs and even the simplest Rolex OP.
Kevin Durant, Phoenix Suns: Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Chronograph
The 10th leading scorer in NBA history and two-time NBA Finals MVP is somehow chronically underrated. Need a bucket in the final seconds of a crucial game? There's no better bet than KD. You know what's not underrated? AP Royal Oak Chrono on the wrist.
Nikola Jokic, Denver Nuggets: Rolex GMT-Master II 'Batman'
“The Joker” may not be the flashiest player in league history, but the two-time league MVP and current NBA Finals MVP is fun to watch. His vision and unique skill set almost always produce positive results. Joker. Batman. Can you see what he's doing here?
Luka Doncic: Dallas Mavericks: Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Chrono Frosted White Gold
Luka is simply one of the best offensive players in the NBA. Consider the fact that he scored 73 points in a game against the Hawks last month. Here he is wearing his special edition AP Royal Oak Chrono with a smoked blue dial that matches Doncic's Dallas Mavericks colors.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Oklahoma City Thunder: Rolex Day-Date
In today's three-point-happy league, SGA's graceful midrange game is a breath of fresh air. The two-time All-Star is smooth and so is the Day-Date on his wrist. Even though this is the most frequently seen watch across the league, it's never a wrong choice.
Devin Booker, Phoenix Suns: Rolex GMT-Master II 'Pepsi'
Once four-time All-Star Devin Booker gets going, he's nearly unstoppable — as he did a few weeks ago when he scored 62 points against Indiana. Here he is pictured wearing a Rolex 'Pepsi' GMT on a Jubilee bracelet after winning gold at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
Stephen Curry, Golden State Warriors: Audemars Piguet Royal Oak “Dual Time”
A two-time NBA MVP and four-time NBA Champion, Steph is the best shooter in the history of the game. He has made over 600 more 3-pointers than the next player on the all-time list, Ray Allen (and that number continues to grow). He's also good at the Met Gala, where he's seen wearing the Royal Oak 'Dual Time' in 2021.
Anthony Davis, Los Angeles Lakers: Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Chronograph Yellow Gold
Although he is an NBA champion and nine-time All-Star, AD is often overshadowed by his aforementioned LA Laker teammates. As Julius Randle noted on Talking Watch, Davis is far from overshadowed when it comes to watch collecting. Here he sits between LeBron and Russell Westbrook in 2022, wearing what appears to be a yellow gold Royal with a blue dial. He is wearing what appears to be an Oak Chrono.
