History of Kyrie Irving in Timeline
Kyrie Irving is a professional basketball player currently with the Dallas Mavericks. Drafted first overall by the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2011, he earned Rookie of the Year honors. Irving is a nine-time All-Star, three-time All-NBA Team member, and won an NBA championship with the Cavaliers in 2016. He's known for his exceptional ball-handling skills and scoring ability.
January 14, 1962: Wilt Chamberlain Scored 62 Points
On January 14, 1962, Wilt Chamberlain scored 62 points for the Philadelphia Warriors in a loss to the Boston Celtics, the most points for a player in a regular-season game against the defending champion prior to Kyrie Irving's performance on March 12, 2015.
1985: Michael Jordan Scored 40 Points in Madison Square Garden
In 1985, Michael Jordan Scored 40 Points in Madison Square Garden, at an older age than Kyrie Irving did in 2013.
1986: Double-double stat comparison to Larry Bird in 1986-87 season
In the game on January 26, Kyrie Irving's 11th double-double with points and assists marked the first time a Celtic player reached that milestone since Larry Bird achieved it in the 1986-87 season.
March 23, 1992: Kyrie Irving's Birth
On March 23, 1992, Kyrie Andrew Irving was born. He is an American professional basketball player.
2004: Drederick remarried
In 2004, Drederick remarried to Shetellia Riley, who is currently Kyrie Irving's agent.
March 3, 2005: Previous Cavaliers Scoring Record
On March 3, 2005, LeBron James set the Cavaliers' franchise single-game scoring mark with 56 points against the Toronto Raptors, a record surpassed by Kyrie Irving on March 12, 2015.
August 2009: Nike Global Challenge MVP
In August 2009, Kyrie Irving led the USA East to the tournament title in the Nike Global Challenge, earning the MVP award with 21.3 points and 4.3 assists per game.
October 22, 2009: Commits to Duke
On October 22, 2009, Kyrie Irving committed to Duke University in a television broadcast on ESPNU.
January 19, 2010: Selected to Junior National Select Team
On January 19, 2010, Kyrie Irving was selected to the 2010 Junior National Select Team, which played at the 2010 Nike Hoop Summit.
March 16, 2010: Cavaliers' Last Triple-Double
The triple-double on February 28, 2014 was the Cavaliers' first triple-double since March 16, 2010.
June 2010: FIBA Americas Under-18 Championship Gold Medal
In June 2010, Kyrie Irving was a part of the United States gold medal-winning team at the FIBA Americas Under-18 Championship.
2010: Plays for Duke Blue Devils
Kyrie Irving played with the Duke Blue Devils during the 2010–2011 basketball season under head coach Mike Krzyzewski.
May 2011: Promise to Finish Degree at Duke
In May 2011, Kyrie Irving promised his father that he would finish his bachelor's degree at Duke within five years.
2011: Enters NBA Draft
In 2011, Kyrie Irving announced that he would forgo his final three seasons of eligibility and enter the NBA draft, where he was selected with the first overall pick by the Cleveland Cavaliers.
2011: Joins Cleveland Cavaliers
In 2011, Kyrie Irving joined the Cleveland Cavaliers after playing college basketball for the Duke Blue Devils.
2011: Played with Michael Kidd-Gilchrist
In 2011, at St. Patrick High School, Kyrie Irving played with Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, who was widely regarded as one of the best players in the class of 2011.
2011: Plays for Duke Blue Devils
Kyrie Irving played with the Duke Blue Devils during the 2010–2011 basketball season under head coach Mike Krzyzewski.
July 14, 2012: Broken Right Hand
On July 14, 2012, while practicing with the Cavaliers in the NBA Summer League, Kyrie Irving sustained a broken right hand after reportedly slapping it against a padded wall.
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.
2012: Appearance on Disney XD's Kickin' It
In 2012, Kyrie Irving appeared on an episode of the Disney XD series Kickin' It.
2012: Uncle Drew Pepsi Max Advertisements
In 2012, Kyrie Irving played the role of Uncle Drew in a series of Pepsi Max advertisements. He also wrote and directed episodes of "Uncle Drew".
2012: Starring in Kickin' It
In 2012, Kyrie Irving starred as himself in Kickin' It.
2012: Consideration for Australian Olympic Team
In 2012, Kyrie Irving was considered for a position on the Australian team for the 2012 Olympics, but he chose to focus on being selected for the United States national team for the 2016 Olympic Games instead.
2012: Rising Stars Challenge MVP and Rookie of the Year
In 2012, Kyrie Irving was named to the Rising Stars Challenge, earning MVP honors. He also won the 2012 NBA Rookie of the Year Award.
2013: Career-High 41 Points Against Knicks
In 2013, Kyrie Irving scored his then-career-high 41 points against the New York Knicks while wearing a black protective face mask. He became the youngest player in NBA history to score 40 points in Madison Square Garden.
February 28, 2014: First Career Triple-Double
On February 28, 2014, Kyrie Irving recorded his first career triple-double with 21 points, 12 assists and 10 rebounds in a 99–79 victory over the Utah Jazz.
April 5, 2014: Then Career-High 44 Points
On April 5, 2014, Kyrie Irving recorded a then career-high 44 points in a 96–94 overtime loss to the Charlotte Bobcats.
July 10, 2014: Contract Extension with Cavaliers
On July 10, 2014, Kyrie Irving signed a five-year, $90 million contract extension with the Cavaliers.
2014: Inconsistent Performance
After their streak-ending loss on December 11 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.
2014: FIBA Basketball World Cup MVP
In 2014, Kyrie Irving was a member of the United States national team that competed in the 2014 FIBA Basketball World Cup. He led Team USA to a gold medal and was named the tournament's MVP. Irving also was named the 2014 USA Basketball Male Athlete of the Year.
2014: All-Star Game MVP
In 2014, Kyrie Irving was the All-Star game MVP, recording 31 points and 14 assists as the East beat the West 163–155.
March 12, 2015: Career-High 57 Points
On March 12, 2015, Kyrie Irving scored a career-high 57 points, including a buzzer-beating three-point shot to send the Cavaliers into overtime, in a 128–125 victory over the San Antonio Spurs.
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.
November 2015: Uncle Drew Episode 4 Release
In November 2015, Kyrie Irving wrote and directed episode 4 of "Uncle Drew", and in which he starred alongside Baron Davis, J. B. Smoove, and Ray Allen.
2015: Launch of PSD Underwear Collection
In 2015, Kyrie Irving launched his PSD Underwear collection.
2015: Start of 2015 Schedule
The Cavaliers began their 2015 schedule on January 2 as they snapped a three-game losing streak with Irving's help. He scored 23 points, and with Love's 27, the Cavaliers defeated the Charlotte Hornets 91–87.
January 2016: Relationship with Kehlani
From January 2016 to March 2016, Kyrie Irving was in a relationship with singer Kehlani.
March 2016: Controversy Surrounding Relationship with Kehlani
From January 2016 to March 2016, Kyrie Irving was in a relationship with singer Kehlani. Their relationship caused a Twitter media controversy after singer PartyNextDoor posted an Instagram photo of Kehlani's hand while in bed together, and people assumed she had cheated on Irving. Irving stated they had broken up before the incident.
October 25, 2016: First Championship Ring and Victory Over Knicks
On October 25, 2016, after receiving his first championship ring prior to the season opener, Kyrie Irving scored a game-high 29 points in a 117–88 victory over the New York Knicks.
November 2016: Support for Standing Rock Water Protectors
In November 2016, Kyrie Irving tweeted his support for the water protectors at the Standing Rock Indian Reservation who were demonstrating against the Dakota Access Pipeline in North Dakota.
2016: NBA Finals Winning Shot
During the 2016 NBA Finals, Kyrie Irving made the championship-winning three-pointer to complete the Cavaliers' historic comeback over the Golden State Warriors.
2016: Voicework in We Bare Bears
In 2016, Kyrie Irving did voicework in We Bare Bears.
2016: Olympic Gold Medal
In 2016, Kyrie Irving helped Team USA win the gold medal at the 2016 Summer Olympics. He became just the fourth member of Team USA to capture the NBA championship and an Olympic gold medal in the same year.
2016: NBA Championship with Cavaliers
In 2016, Kyrie Irving won an NBA championship with the Cleveland Cavaliers.
2016: Transition to Plant-Based Diet
Starting with the 2016–2017 season, Kyrie Irving moved to a predominantly plant-based diet.
January 23, 2017: 35 Points in the Second Half vs Pelicans
On January 23, 2017, Kyrie Irving scored 35 of his season-high 49 points in the second half of the Cavaliers' narrow 124–122 loss to the New Orleans Pelicans—their fifth loss in seven games.
February 2017: Flat Earth Belief Statement
In February 2017, Kyrie Irving stated in an interview for a podcast that he believes that the Earth is flat.
July 2017: Irving requests trade from Cavaliers
In July 2017, Kyrie Irving requested a trade from the Cleveland Cavaliers. Reportedly, Irving desired to be the primary focus of his own team, instead of playing alongside LeBron James.
September 2017: Denial of Flat Earth Claims
In September 2017, Kyrie Irving denied his previous claims about believing the Earth is flat, stating that the media misunderstood him as he was joking.
October 17, 2017: Irving debuts for the Celtics
On October 17, 2017, Kyrie Irving debuted for the Boston Celtics in their season opener against the Cleveland Cavaliers, scoring 22 points and 10 assists in a 102–99 loss. He missed a three-pointer at the buzzer that would have tied the game.
November 6, 2017: Irving scores 35 points against Hawks
On November 6, 2017, Kyrie Irving scored 35 points in a 110–107 victory over the Atlanta Hawks. This was his first 30-point game as a Celtic, and he scored more points (245) than any player in his first 11 games with Boston. The Celtics' win over Atlanta improved their record to 9–2, marking their longest winning streak in seven years.
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. The Celtics rallied from a double-digit deficit to beat the Dallas Mavericks 110–102, extending their winning streak to 16 games.
December 2017: Plant-Based Diet Referenced in Nike Ad
In December 2017, Kyrie Irving's plant-based diet was referenced in a Nike ad.
2017: Trade Request from Cavaliers
After another Finals appearance in 2017, Kyrie Irving requested a trade from the Cleveland Cavaliers and was dealt to the Boston Celtics.
2017: Second Best-Selling Signature Sneakers
In 2017, Kyrie Irving's signature sneakers were the second best-selling line, behind LeBron James.
2017: Uncle Drew Skit Inside an Old School Diner Featuring Pepsi
In 2017, the Uncle Drew advertisement series became a skit inside an old school diner featuring Pepsi in its current design, stored in a fridge with its original logo.
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. The Celtics had a 34–10 record by mid-January, but their loss to Orlando was their season-worst third straight defeat.
June 2018: Uncle Drew Feature Film Release
In June 2018, the Uncle Drew advertisement series became a feature film, Uncle Drew, which also features former NBA stars.
June 2018: Continued Uncertainty About Earth's Shape
In a June 2018 interview, Kyrie Irving was asked if he would admit that the world is round, he said, "I don't know. I really don't", and added that people should "do [their] own research for what [they] want to believe in" because "Our educational system is flawed".
August 2018: "Welcome Home" Ceremony at Standing Rock
In August 2018, Kyrie Irving and his older sister were honored with a "welcome home" ceremony at Standing Rock Indian Reservation, acknowledging their family ties to the community and Irving's activism on behalf of the water protectors at the Dakota Access Pipeline protests.
October 2018: Apology for Flat Earth Comments
In October 2018, Kyrie Irving apologized for his original flat Earth comments but stopped short of saying whether he still believed that the Earth is flat.
2018: Guest Star on Family Guy
In 2018, Kyrie Irving guest starred on Family Guy, lending his voice for the season 17 episode "Big Trouble in Little Quahog".
2018: Apology to Kehlani
In 2018, Kyrie Irving penned an apology to Kehlani via an Instagram post, expressing appreciation towards the singer, and they responded wishing him well.
2018: Signature Sneakers Trend Continued
In 2018, The NPD Group projected that Kyrie Irving's signature sneakers trend continued.
2018: "Uncle Drew" Feature Film
In 2018, the "Uncle Drew" advertisements, in which Kyrie Irving wrote, directed, and acted, became a feature film.
2018: Relationship with Marlene Wilkerson
Since 2018, Kyrie Irving has been with Marlene Wilkerson, and they have two sons together.
2018: Promotion of Conspiracy Theories
Throughout his career, Kyrie Irving has promoted numerous conspiracy theories. In 2018 he tweeted a link to the film Hebrews to Negroes: Wake Up Black America, which has been characterized as antisemitic.
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 the Brooklyn Nets
On July 7, 2019, Kyrie Irving signed with the Brooklyn Nets in free agency. The contract was a four-year deal worth $136.5 million.
October 23, 2019: Irving debuts for Nets with 50 points
On October 23, 2019, Kyrie Irving debuted for the Brooklyn Nets. He scored 50 points, had eight rebounds, and seven assists in a 127–126 overtime loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves, becoming the first player in NBA history to score 50 points or more in a team debut.
2019: Shoe Deal with Nike
As of 2019, Kyrie Irving's shoe deal with Nike was worth US$11 million.
2019: Signs with Brooklyn Nets
In 2019, after playing with the Boston Celtics for two seasons, Kyrie Irving signed with the Brooklyn Nets as a free agent.
January 12, 2020: Irving returns from shoulder injury
On January 12, 2020, Kyrie Irving returned from a 26-game absence due to a right shoulder injury. In his return, he scored 21 points on 10-of-11 shooting in the 108–86 victory over the Atlanta Hawks.
February 2020: Elected VP of National Basketball Players Association
In February 2020, Kyrie Irving was elected as one of the seven vice-presidents of the National Basketball Players Association, replacing Pau Gasol.
2020: Philanthropic Donations
In 2020, Kyrie Irving donated a home to the family of George Floyd, paid off student debt for students from Lincoln University, committed $1.5 million to help pay WNBA players who opted out of playing during the COVID-19 pandemic, donated over $300,000 to food banks, and donated 17 pallets of food to the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe.
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 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 with Paani Project.
October 12, 2021: Irving deemed ineligible to play due to vaccine mandate
On October 12, 2021, the Brooklyn 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 until he was vaccinated.
October 2021: Speculation of Exclusion from NBA 75th Anniversary Team
Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic and his hesitancy to receive a vaccine against the virus, Irving shared and interacted with social media posts from a conspiracy theorist on Instagram. Amidst these controversies, it was speculated that Kyrie Irving was excluded from the NBA 75th Anniversary Team list in October 2021.
October 21, 2021: Speculation and Controversy Surrounding NBA 75th Anniversary Team Exclusion
On October 21, 2021, Kyrie Irving was speculated to be originally on the NBA 75th Anniversary Team as the Brooklyn Nets prematurely posted an announcement, but was later excluded, allegedly due to the ongoing vaccine mandate controversy. The exclusion led to criticism and debate among sports commentators and fans.
2021: Granted Citizenship to Standing Rock Sioux Tribe
In 2021, Kyrie Irving's petition for citizenship was granted, and he became an enrolled member of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe.
2021: Misses 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.
January 5, 2022: Irving makes season debut after vaccine mandate issues
On January 5, 2022, Kyrie Irving made his season debut, recording 22 points, three rebounds, and four assists in a 129–121 victory over the Indiana Pacers. He played 31 minutes, shooting 9-of-17.
February 2022: NYC mayor addresses vaccine mandate and Irving
In February 2022, New York City mayor Eric Adams announced the city would be lifting its vaccine requirement for indoor activities on March 7. However, Kyrie Irving remained subject to a separate workplace vaccine mandate. The mayor stated that making an exception for Irving would "send the wrong message."
February 26, 2022: Irving scores season-high 38 points against Bucks
On February 26, 2022, Kyrie Irving scored a then season-high 38 points with five rebounds, five assists, and two steals in a 126–123 victory over the reigning champions Milwaukee Bucks.
September 15, 2022: Sharing Alex Jones Video on Instagram
On September 15, 2022, Kyrie Irving shared a video on his Instagram story featuring a rant by InfoWars creator and far-right conspiracy theorist Alex Jones.
October 27, 2022: Tweeting Link to Antisemitic Film
On October 27, 2022, Kyrie Irving tweeted a link to an Amazon listing page for Hebrews to Negroes: Wake Up Black America, a 2018 film based on a book of the same name, which promotes Black Hebrew Israelite ideology. The film includes denials that the Holocaust occurred, quotes attributed to Adolf Hitler and Henry Ford, claims that Jewish people worship Satan, and accusations that Jews controlled the Atlantic slave trade and currently control the media.
October 29, 2022: Response to Antisemitism Accusations
On October 29, 2022, Kyrie Irving tweeted that deeming him antisemitic was "not justified", and that he intended to "learn from all walks of life and religions." During a postgame press availability at Barclays Center, Irving denied having any religious biases and defended the tweet, telling reporters that "[h]istory is not supposed to be hidden from anybody" and stating, "I'm not going to stand down on anything I believe in. I'm only going to get stronger because I'm not alone. I have a whole army around me." Irving deleted the tweet on or around October 30.
November 3, 2022: Irving suspended by Nets
On November 3, 2022, the Brooklyn Nets suspended Kyrie Irving for at least five NBA games. The suspension was due to his failure to "unequivocally say he has no antisemitic beliefs" and the Nets stated that he was "currently unfit to be associated with the Brooklyn Nets."
2022: Misses 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.
January 20, 2023: Irving scores season-high 48 points against Jazz
On January 20, 2023, Kyrie Irving scored 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: Irving Re-Signs with Mavericks
On July 7, 2023, Kyrie Irving re-signed with the Dallas Mavericks on a three-year, $126 million contract.
September 2023: Partnership with Anta Sports
In September 2023, Kyrie Irving announced a new partnership with Chinese sports brand Anta Sports, where he joined the company as Chief Creative Officer of Anta Basketball. They will also launch a series of Anta x Kyrie Youth Basketball Camps around the world.
December 2023: Investment in Kicks Crew
In December 2023, Kyrie Irving made an investment in sneaker platform Kicks Crew and joined the company as Chief Community Officer. His role is expected to focus on cause-driven projects aimed at bringing communities together in collaborations that blend art and basketball and to extend globally.
2023: Traded to Dallas Mavericks
In 2023, after four seasons with the Nets, Kyrie Irving requested a trade and was dealt to the Dallas Mavericks.
January 11, 2024: Irving Scores 44 Points Against Knicks
On January 11, 2024, Kyrie Irving scored 44 points and delivered 10 assists in a 128–124 win over the New York Knicks.
2024: Reaches NBA Finals with Mavericks
In 2024, Kyrie Irving reached his fourth NBA Finals with the Dallas Mavericks.
February 1, 2025: Luka Dončić Traded to Los Angeles Lakers
On February 1, 2025, Luka Dončić was traded to the Los Angeles Lakers in exchange for Anthony Davis.
July 6, 2025: Irving Re-Signs with Mavericks
On July 6, 2025, Kyrie Irving re-signed with the Mavericks on a three-year, $119 million contract.
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