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 playing for the Dallas Mavericks in the NBA. Drafted first overall by the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2011, he earned Rookie of the Year honors. Irving is a nine-time All-Star and a three-time All-NBA Team selection. His career highlight includes winning an NBA championship with the Cavaliers in 2016.

Sections (6)

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

2015: Surgery to remove screws from patella

In March 2018, Kyrie Irving was ruled out for the entire postseason, with a recovery time of four to five months, 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 or Practice

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.

October 2021: Speculation of Exclusion from NBA 75th Anniversary Team

Amidst controversies surrounding COVID-19 pandemic and his hesitancy to receive a vaccine, it was speculated that Kyrie Irving was excluded from the NBA 75th Anniversary Team list in October 2021.

October 21, 2021: Exclusion from NBA 75th Anniversary Team

On October 21, 2021, it was speculated that Kyrie Irving was originally on the NBA 75th Anniversary Team, but was later excluded, allegedly due to the ongoing vaccine mandate controversy.

February 2022: Lifting Vaccine Requirement

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 that remained in place.

November 3, 2022: Suspension from the Nets

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