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 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.
July 14, 2012: Broken Hand Injury
On July 14, 2012, Kyrie Irving sustained a broken right hand while practicing with the Cavaliers in the NBA Summer League.
2012: Index Finger Injury
At the start of the 2012–2013 NBA season, Kyrie Irving injured his index finger in a loss to the Dallas Mavericks, causing him to miss three weeks of action.
2014: Cavaliers' Season Performance
In 2014, after a shaky start, the Cavaliers finished the year at 18–14, with inconsistencies and mediocre play due to missed time by the Big Three.
August 27, 2015: Ruled Unlikely 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 the left kneecap fracture he suffered in Game 1 of the 2015 NBA Finals.
2015: Cavaliers' Season Performance
In 2015, Kyrie Irving helped the Cavaliers snap a three-game losing streak, but later suffered a season low with just six points before leaving a game with lower back tightness.
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 12, 2021: Irving Ineligible to Play Due to Vaccine Mandate
On October 12, 2021, the Nets announced that Kyrie Irving was ineligible to play or practice with the team due to New York City's COVID-19 vaccine mandate.
2021: COVID-19 Vaccine Controversy
In 2021, Kyrie Irving's decision not to get vaccinated for COVID-19 led to him missing the majority of the 2021–2022 NBA season.
November 3, 2022: Irving Suspended 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 stated that he is "currently unfit to be associated with the Brooklyn Nets."
2022: COVID-19 Vaccine Controversy
In 2022, Kyrie Irving's decision not to get vaccinated for COVID-19 led to him missing the majority of the 2021–2022 NBA season.
