Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Kyrie Irving
Discover the career path of Kyrie Irving, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.
Kyrie Irving is an American professional basketball player currently with the Dallas Mavericks. Drafted first overall by the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2011, he was named Rookie of the Year. Irving is a nine-time All-Star and three-time All-NBA Team selection. He won an NBA championship with the Cavaliers in 2016, solidifying his place among the league's elite players.
2011: Enters NBA Draft
In 2011, Kyrie Irving announced that he would forgo his final three seasons of eligibility and enter the NBA draft.
2011: Joins Cleveland Cavaliers
In 2011, Kyrie Irving joined the Cleveland Cavaliers after playing college basketball for the Duke Blue Devils, marking the start of his NBA career.
2011: NBA Draft & Rookie of the Year
In 2011, Kyrie Irving was selected first overall by the Cleveland Cavaliers in the NBA draft, marking the beginning of his professional basketball career. He was named Rookie of the Year that year.
July 10, 2014: Contract Extension with Cavaliers
On July 10, 2014, Kyrie Irving signed a five-year, $90 million contract extension with the Cleveland Cavaliers, solidifying his commitment to the team.
October 25, 2016: Championship Ring & Game-High 29 Points
On October 25, 2016, after receiving his first championship ring, Kyrie Irving scored a game-high 29 points in a victory over the New York Knicks.
November 2016: Support for Standing Rock Water Protectors
In November 2016, Kyrie Irving publicly tweeted his support for the water protectors at the Standing Rock Indian Reservation who were protesting against the Dakota Access Pipeline.
July 2017: Irving Requests Trade from Cavaliers
In July 2017, Kyrie Irving requested to be traded from the Cavaliers, reportedly desiring a more focal role on his own team rather than playing alongside LeBron James.
October 17, 2017: Irving's Celtics Debut
On October 17, 2017, Kyrie Irving debuted for the Celtics against the Cavaliers, scoring 22 points and 10 assists in a 102–99 loss.
November 20, 2017: Irving Scores Season-High 47 Points
On November 20, 2017, Kyrie Irving scored 10 of his season-high 47 points in overtime as the Celtics rallied to beat the Dallas Mavericks 110–102, extending their winning streak to 16 games.
2017: Second Best-Selling Signature Sneakers
In 2017, Kyrie Irving's signature sneakers were the second best-selling line, only behind LeBron James.
2017: Trade Request to Boston Celtics
In 2017, after another Finals appearance, Kyrie Irving requested a trade from the Cavaliers and was subsequently dealt to the Boston Celtics.
January 21, 2018: Irving Scores 40 Points in Loss to Magic
On January 21, 2018, Kyrie Irving scored 40 points in a 103–95 loss to the Orlando Magic, despite the Celtics holding a 34–10 record by mid-January.
August 2018: "Welcome Home" Ceremony at Standing Rock
In August 2018, Kyrie Irving and his sister were honored with a "welcome home" ceremony at the Standing Rock Indian Reservation, acknowledging their family ties to the community.
2018: Continued Sneaker Trend
In 2018, it was projected that Kyrie Irving's signature sneaker trend continued, following its success in 2017.
January 16, 2019: Irving Records Career-High 18 Assists
On January 16, 2019, Kyrie Irving recorded 27 points and a career-high 18 assists in a 117–108 victory over the Toronto Raptors.
July 7, 2019: Irving Signs with Brooklyn Nets
On July 7, 2019, Kyrie Irving signed with the Brooklyn Nets in free agency, marking a new chapter in his NBA career.
October 23, 2019: Irving Debuts for Nets with 50 Points
On October 23, 2019, Kyrie Irving debuted for the Brooklyn Nets with an impressive 50 points, eight rebounds, and seven assists. However, the team lost to the Minnesota Timberwolves 127–126 in overtime. He became the first player in NBA history to score 50 points or more in a team debut.
2019: Nike Shoe Deal Worth
As of 2019, Kyrie Irving's shoe deal with Nike was valued at US$11 million.
2019: Signs with Brooklyn Nets
In 2019, Kyrie Irving signed with the Brooklyn Nets as a free agent, beginning a new chapter in his NBA journey.
January 12, 2020: Irving Returns From Injury
On January 12, 2020, Kyrie Irving returned from a right shoulder injury, scoring 21 points on 10-of-11 shooting in the 108–86 victory over the Atlanta Hawks.
February 2020: Elected as Vice-President of NBPA
In February 2020, Kyrie Irving was elected as one of the seven vice-presidents of the National Basketball Players Association, demonstrating his involvement in player representation.
2020: Donations to social causes
In 2020, through his K.A.I. Family Foundation, Kyrie Irving donated a home to the family of George Floyd, paid off student debt for Lincoln University students, and made significant contributions to food banks and WNBA players who opted out of playing due to COVID-19.
February 18, 2021: Irving Named All-Star Starter
On February 18, 2021, Kyrie Irving was named an Eastern Conference starter for the 2021 NBA All-Star Game, marking his seventh All-Star selection.
July 29, 2021: Solar Water Center in Pakistan
On July 29, 2021, Kyrie Irving, through his K.A.I. Family Foundation, built a solar water center in Pakistan in collaboration with Paani Project.
January 5, 2022: Irving Makes Season Debut After Vaccine Mandate Issues
On January 5, 2022, Kyrie Irving made his season debut, recording 22 points in a 129–121 victory over the Indiana Pacers. This followed a period of ineligibility due to vaccine mandates.
February 26, 2022: Irving Scores Season-High 38 Points Against Bucks
On February 26, 2022, Kyrie Irving scored a then season-high 38 points in a 126–123 victory over the reigning champions Milwaukee Bucks.
January 20, 2023: Irving Scores Season-High 48 Points
On January 20, 2023, Kyrie Irving achieved a season-high 48 points, including a season-high eight 3-pointers, along with 11 rebounds, six assists, and four steals, in a 117–106 victory over the Utah Jazz.
February 6, 2023: Kyrie Irving Traded to Dallas Mavericks
On February 6, 2023, Kyrie Irving, along with Markieff Morris, was traded by the Nets to the Dallas Mavericks. The trade included Dorian Finney-Smith, Spencer Dinwiddie, an unprotected 2029 first-round pick, and second-round picks in 2027 and 2029 in exchange.
July 7, 2023: Kyrie Irving Re-Signed to Three-Year Contract
On July 7, 2023, Kyrie Irving re-signed to a three-year contract with the Dallas Mavericks, continuing his career with the team.
September 2023: Partnership with Anta Sports
In September 2023, Kyrie Irving announced a new partnership with Chinese sports brand Anta Sports, becoming Chief Creative Officer of Anta Basketball and launching a series of youth basketball camps.
December 2023: Investment in Kicks Crew
In December 2023, Kyrie Irving invested in sneaker platform Kicks Crew and joined the company as Chief Community Officer, focusing on cause-driven projects.
2023: Traded to Dallas Mavericks
In 2023, Kyrie Irving requested a trade from the Nets and was dealt to the Dallas Mavericks, marking another shift in his NBA career.
January 11, 2024: Irving scores 44 points with 10 assists against Knicks
On January 11, 2024, Kyrie Irving achieved a significant milestone by scoring 44 points and delivering 10 assists in a game against the New York Knicks, which the Mavericks won 128-124.
2024: NBA Finals Appearance with Mavericks
In 2024, Kyrie Irving reached his fourth NBA Finals with the Dallas Mavericks, highlighting his continued pursuit of championships.
2024: Namesake sneaker announced for NBA season
In September 2023, it was announced that a namesake sneaker was announced for the 2023–2024 NBA season, as part of Kyrie Irving's partnership with Anta Sports.
