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 a professional basketball player currently with 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 and three-time All-NBA Team selection, achieving an NBA championship with the Cavaliers in 2016. He is renowned 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: Broken Right Hand

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

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 and missed three weeks of action.

2014: Cavaliers' inconsistency

After their streak-ending loss on December 11, 2014 to Oklahoma City, the Cavaliers went on to win just five more games in December, finishing 2014 at 18–14. All of the new Big Three missed time during December, contributing to the team's inconsistency and mediocre play.

August 27, 2015: Ruled Out for Opening Night

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: Surgery to Remove Screws from Patella

In 2015, Kyrie Irving had a procedure scheduled to remove two screws from his patella, which were inserted to repair a fracture suffered during that year's NBA Finals.

2017: NBA Finals loss to Warriors

In 2017, Kyrie Irving scored 40 points in Game 4 to prevent a sweep by the Golden State Warriors, but the Cavaliers ultimately lost the series 4-1 in Game 5 of the NBA Finals.

January 12, 2020: Return from Injury

On January 12, 2020, Kyrie Irving returned from a right shoulder injury, scoring 21 points in a victory over the Atlanta Hawks.

October 12, 2021: Ineligible to Play 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 New York City's COVID-19 vaccine mandate.

2021: COVID-19 Vaccination Controversy

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

January 5, 2022: Season Debut After Vaccine Mandate

On January 5, 2022, Kyrie Irving made his season debut, recording 22 points in a victory over the Indiana Pacers.

February 2022: Vaccine Requirement Update

In February 2022, New York City mayor Eric Adams announced the city would be lifting its vaccine requirement for indoor activities on March 7, but Irving remained subject to a workplace vaccine mandate.

November 3, 2022: Suspended by the Nets

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