Challenges Faced by Kyrie Irving: Obstacles and Turning Points

Life is full of challenges, and Kyrie Irving faced many. Discover key struggles and how they were overcome.

Kyrie Irving is an American professional basketball player currently playing for the Dallas Mavericks in the NBA. Drafted first overall by the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2011, he was named Rookie of the Year. Irving is a nine-time All-Star, a three-time All-NBA Team selection, and won an NBA championship with the Cavaliers in 2016. He is known for his exceptional ball-handling skills and scoring ability.

Sections (6)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

July 14, 2012: Sustained Broken Right Hand

On July 14, 2012, while practicing with the Cavaliers in the NBA Summer League, Kyrie Irving sustained a broken right hand.

2012: Injured Index Finger

At the start of the 2012–2013 NBA season, Kyrie Irving injured his index finger in a loss to the Dallas Mavericks.

2014: Cavaliers' Record at End of Year

The Cavaliers finished 2014 with a 18-14 record, with the new Big Three missing time contributing to the team's inconsistency.

August 27, 2015: Ruled Unlikely for Season Opening

On August 27, 2015, Kyrie Irving was ruled unlikely to be ready for opening night of the 2015–16 season due to a left kneecap fracture.

2015: Irving's Season Low Against Dallas

In January 2015, Kyrie Irving had a season-low performance against Dallas, scoring just six points before leaving with lower back tightness.

2015: Screw Removal Surgery

In March 2018, Kyrie Irving was ruled out for the entire postseason after another procedure was scheduled to remove two screws from his patella that were inserted in 2015 to repair a fracture he suffered during that year's NBA Finals.

October 12, 2021: Ineligible to Play/Practice due to Vaccine Mandate

On October 12, 2021, the Nets announced that Kyrie Irving would be ineligible to play or practice with the team due to the New York City COVID-19 vaccine mandate.

2021: Missed NBA season due to vaccination decision

Kyrie Irving's decision not to get vaccinated for COVID-19 led to him missing the majority of the 2021–2022 NBA season.

February 2022: NYC Vaccine Mandate Controversy

In February 2022, New York City mayor Eric Adams announced that the city would be lifting its vaccine requirement for indoor activities on March 7. However, Irving remained subject to a different workplace vaccine mandate. Adams stated that creating an exemption for Irving would "send the wrong message".

November 3, 2022: Suspension by Nets

On November 3, 2022, the Nets suspended Kyrie Irving for at least five NBA games due to his failure to "unequivocally say he has no antisemitic beliefs" and said that he is "currently unfit to be associated with the Brooklyn Nets."