History of Kyrie Irving in Timeline

Kyrie Irving is an American professional basketball player currently playing for 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 selection, and an NBA champion, having won the title with the Cavaliers in 2016. Known for his exceptional ball-handling skills and scoring ability, Irving is considered one of the most skilled offensive players in the NBA.

Sections (6)

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

January 14, 1962: Wilt Chamberlain's 62 Points

Kyrie Irving's 57 points on March 12, 2015, was the most points for a player in a regular-season game against the defending champion since January 14, 1962, when Wilt Chamberlain scored 62 points.

1972: Jo Jo White with 20-plus points, five-plus assists and five-plus rebounds

In 1972, Jo Jo White had 20-plus points, five-plus assists and five-plus rebounds in his postseason debut.

1985: Michael Jordan's 40 points in MSG

Kyrie Irving became the youngest player in NBA history to score 40 points in Madison Square Garden, Irving was a year younger than Michael Jordan, who did it in 1985.

1986: Larry Bird reached double-double mark

In 1986-87, Larry Bird was the last Celtic to have 11 double-doubles with points and assists.

March 23, 1992: Kyrie Irving's Birth

On March 23, 1992, Kyrie Andrew Irving was born in Melbourne, Australia.

Others born on this day/year

1996: Discouraged from using left hand

While studying in a Catholic school in 1996, Kyrie Irving was discouraged from using his left hand, despite being born left-handed.

2001: Last Celtics player before Irving with 40 points and 10 assists

In 2001, Antoine Walker was the last Celtics player before Irving to score at least 40 points with 10 or more assists.

2001: Scoring records

In 2001, Stephon Marbury record scoring records that compared to Kyrie Irving.

2004: Father's Remarriage

In 2004, Kyrie Irving's father, Drederick Irving, remarried to Shetellia Riley, who is currently Kyrie Irving's agent.

March 3, 2005: LeBron James' Cavaliers Record

Kyrie Irving's 57 points on March 12, 2015, surpassed LeBron James's Cavaliers franchise single-game scoring mark of 56 points set on March 3, 2005.

2007: Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen each had 131 points

In 2007, Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen each had 131 points in their first six games.

August 2009: Nike Global Challenge Tournament Title

In August 2009, Kyrie Irving led the USA East team to the tournament title in the Nike Global Challenge and was named the MVP, averaging 21.3 points and 4.3 assists per game.

October 22, 2009: Committed to Duke University

On October 22, 2009, Kyrie Irving committed to Duke University and announced it 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' Previous Triple-Double

Kyrie Irving's triple-double on February 28, 2014, was the Cavaliers' first triple-double since March 16, 2010.

June 2010: FIBA Americas Under-18 Championship

In June 2010, Kyrie Irving was part of the United States gold medal-winning team at the FIBA Americas Under-18 Championship.

2010: Played for Duke Blue Devils

In 2010, Kyrie Irving played with the Duke Blue Devils during the 2010–2011 basketball season.

May 2011: Irving promises to finish bachelor's degree at Duke

In May 2011, Kyrie Irving promised his father to finish his bachelor's degree at Duke University within five years.

2011: Enters NBA draft, selected by Cavaliers

In 2011, Kyrie Irving declared for the NBA draft and was selected first overall by the Cleveland Cavaliers.

2011: Joins Cleveland Cavaliers

In 2011, Kyrie Irving joined the Cleveland Cavaliers after playing college basketball for Duke.

2011: Played with Michael Kidd-Gilchrist

In 2011, Kyrie Irving played with Michael Kidd-Gilchrist at St. Patrick High School, where Kidd-Gilchrist was regarded as one of the best players in the class.

2011: Celtics victory against the San Antonio Spurs

In 2011, the Celtics had their first victory against the San Antonio Spurs.

2011: Continued play for Duke Blue Devils

Kyrie Irving continued to play with the Duke Blue Devils in 2011 during the 2010-2011 basketball season.

February 2012: Rajon Rondo recorded 30-plus points and a triple-double

In February 2012, Rajon Rondo became the Celtics player to record 30-plus points and a triple-double in the same game.

July 14, 2012: Broken Hand Injury

On July 14, 2012, Kyrie Irving broke his right hand during a Cavaliers practice at the NBA Summer League and required surgery.

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, causing him to miss three weeks of action.

2012: Irving appears on Disney XD's Kickin' It

In 2012, Kyrie Irving appeared on an episode of the Disney XD series Kickin' It.

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2012: Irving plays Uncle Drew in Pepsi Max advertisements

In 2012, Kyrie Irving played the role of Uncle Drew in a series of Pepsi Max advertisements, writing and directing some episodes.

2012: Starred in Kickin' It

In 2012, Kyrie Irving starred as himself in Kickin' It.

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2012: Consideration for Australian Olympic team

In 2012, Kyrie Irving was in contention for a position on the Australian team for the 2012 Olympics but chose to focus on selection for the United States national team instead.

2012: Rising Stars Challenge and Rookie of the Year

In 2012, Kyrie Irving was named to the Rising Stars Challenge, earned MVP honors at the game, and won the NBA Rookie of the Year Award.

2013: Career-High 41 Points Against Knicks

In 2013, Kyrie Irving scored a then-career-high 41 points against the New York Knicks while wearing a protective face mask, becoming 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: 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 Cleveland Cavaliers following LeBron James's return and Kevin Love's arrival.

2014: Irving wins gold medal and named MVP at FIBA Basketball World Cup

In 2014, Kyrie Irving helped lead Team USA to the gold medal at the FIBA Basketball World Cup and was subsequently named the tournament's MVP. He was later named the 2014 USA Basketball Male Athlete of the Year.

2014: NBA All-Star Game MVP

In 2014, Kyrie Irving was voted in as the starting point guard for the Eastern Conference in the NBA All-Star game and was named the All-Star game MVP, recording 31 points and 14 assists.

2014: Cavaliers' Performance

The Cleveland Cavaliers finished 2014 with an 18-14 record, facing inconsistency and mediocre play due to the new "Big Three" missing time during December.

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 Out 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 the left kneecap fracture he suffered in Game 1 of the 2015 NBA Finals.

November 2015: Irving wrote and directed episode 4 of Uncle Drew

In November 2015, Kyrie Irving wrote and directed episode 4 of "Uncle Drew", and in which he starred in alongside Baron Davis, J. B. Smoove, and Ray Allen.

2015: Isaiah Thomas with 20-plus points, five-plus assists and five-plus rebounds

In 2015, Isaiah Thomas had 20-plus points, five-plus assists and five-plus rebounds in his postseason debut.

2015: Irving's Performance

In 2015, Kyrie Irving helped the Cavaliers snap a three-game losing streak in January. Later, he experienced a season low with just six points due to lower back tightness.

2015: Irving launches PSD Underwear collection

In 2015, Kyrie Irving launched his PSD Underwear collection.

2015: Screws inserted in patella

In 2015, screws were inserted in Kyrie Irving's patella to repair a fracture he suffered during that year's NBA Finals.

October 25, 2016: Scored game-high 29 points in victory over New York 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: Irving supports water protectors at Standing Rock

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 Victory

In 2016, Kyrie Irving and the Cavaliers overcame a 3-1 deficit to defeat the Golden State Warriors in the NBA Finals, ending Cleveland's 52-year championship drought. Irving hit a crucial three-pointer in Game 7.

2016: Irving puts plans on hold to finish his degree

In 2016, Kyrie Irving claimed he was putting his plans on hold to finish his bachelor's degree, stating he will focus on it after leaving the game of basketball.

2016: Voicework in We Bare Bears

In 2016, Kyrie Irving did voicework in We Bare Bears.

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2016: Irving wins Olympic gold medal with Team USA

In 2016, Kyrie Irving helped Team USA win the gold medal at the 2016 Summer Olympics. With the win, 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: Irving moves to predominantly plant-based diet

Starting with the 2016–2017 season, Kyrie Irving moved to a predominantly plant-based diet.

January 23, 2017: Scored 35 points in loss to New Orleans 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. This was their fifth loss in seven games.

February 2017: Irving expresses belief in flat Earth theory

In February 2017, Kyrie Irving stated in an interview for a podcast that he believes that the Earth is flat, sparking controversy and discussion.

July 2017: Requested trade from Cavaliers

In July 2017, Kyrie Irving requested a trade from the Cavaliers, reportedly seeking to be the focal point of his own team rather than playing alongside LeBron James.

September 2017: Irving denies flat Earth claims

In September 2017, Kyrie Irving denied his previous claims about believing the Earth is flat and said that media misunderstood him as he was joking.

October 17, 2017: Celtics debut against Cavaliers

On October 17, 2017, Kyrie Irving debuted for the Boston Celtics in the season opener against the Cleveland Cavaliers, recording 22 points and 10 assists in a 102–99 loss.

November 6, 2017: Scored 35 points in victory over Atlanta Hawks

On November 6, 2017, Kyrie Irving scored 35 points in a 110–107 victory over the Atlanta Hawks, marking his first 30-point game as a Celtic. With the win, the Celtics extended their winning streak to nine games.

November 20, 2017: Scored 47 points against the Dallas Mavericks

On November 20, 2017, Kyrie Irving scored 10 of his season-high 47 points in overtime as the Celtics rallied from a double-digit deficit to beat the Dallas Mavericks 110–102, extending their winning streak to 16 games.

December 2017: Irving references plant-based diet in Nike ad

In December 2017, Kyrie Irving referenced his predominantly plant-based diet in a Nike ad.

2017: Kyrie signature sneakers second best-selling line of 2017

In 2017, Kyrie Irving's signature sneakers were the second best-selling line, behind LeBron James.

2017: Trade Request to Celtics

In 2017, after another Finals appearance, Kyrie Irving requested a trade from the Cavaliers and was subsequently dealt to the Boston Celtics.

2017: Uncle Drew advertisement series became a skit featuring Pepsi in its current design

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: Scored 40 points in loss to Orlando Magic

On January 21, 2018, Kyrie Irving scored 40 points in a 103–95 loss to the Orlando Magic. This loss marked the Celtics' season-worst third straight defeat.

June 2018: Uncle Drew feature film released

In June 2018, the feature film "Uncle Drew", starring Kyrie Irving and other former NBA stars, was released.

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June 2018: Irving doubles down on encouraging flat Earth research

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: Irving honored at Standing Rock Indian Reservation

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 and Irving's activism.

October 2018: Irving apologizes 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: Irving begins relationship with Marlene Wilkerson

In 2018, Kyrie Irving began his relationship with Marlene Wilkerson, and they later had two sons together.

2018: Irving guest stars 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".

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2018: Brooklyn Nets' draft pick

In 2018, as part of the trade that sent Kyrie Irving to the Boston Celtics, the Cleveland Cavaliers received the rights to the Brooklyn Nets' first-round draft pick, which ultimately became Collin Sexton.

2018: Uncle Drew Feature Film

In 2018, the "Uncle Drew" advertisements, in which Kyrie Irving wrote, directed, and acted, were adapted into a feature film.

2018: Projected continuation of signature sneakers trend into 2018

The NPD Group projected that the trend of Irving's signature sneakers as a top-selling line continued into 2018.

January 16, 2019: Recorded career-high 18 assists against Toronto Raptors

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: Signed with Brooklyn Nets

On July 7, 2019, Kyrie Irving signed with the Brooklyn Nets in free agency, marking a new chapter in his NBA career.

October 23, 2019: Debuted for Nets with 50 points

On October 23, 2019, Kyrie Irving debuted for the Brooklyn Nets with 50 points, eight rebounds, and seven assists in a 127–126 overtime loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves, setting an NBA record for most points in a team debut.

2019: Irving's shoe deal with Nike worth US$11 million

As of 2019, Kyrie Irving's shoe deal with Nike is worth US$11 million.

2019: Signs with Brooklyn Nets

In 2019, Kyrie Irving signed with the Brooklyn Nets as a free agent after playing two seasons with the Boston Celtics.

January 12, 2020: Returned from injury

On January 12, 2020, Kyrie Irving returned from a right shoulder injury, scoring 21 points in a 108–86 victory over the Atlanta Hawks.

February 2020: Elected as Vice-President of NBPA

In February 2020, Kyrie Irving was elected as one of the seven vice-presidents of the National Basketball Players Association, replacing Pau Gasol.

2020: Irving donates to various social causes through K.A.I. Family Foundation

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, donated over $300,000 to food banks, and donated 17 pallets of food to the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe through his K.A.I. Family Foundation.

2020: Second-round draft pick

In 2020, the Boston Celtics sent the Cleveland Cavaliers a second-round draft pick via the Miami Heat to complete the trade involving Kyrie Irving, as compensation for Isaiah Thomas' failed physical.

February 18, 2021: Named All-Star Game starter

On February 18, 2021, Kyrie Irving was named an Eastern Conference starter for the 2021 NBA All-Star Game, marking his seventh All-Star selection.

July 29, 2021: Irving builds solar water center in Pakistan

On July 29, 2021, Kyrie Irving built a solar water center in Pakistan with Paani Project through his K.A.I. Family Foundation.

October 12, 2021: Ineligible to play or practice with the Nets

On October 12, 2021, Sean Marks, the Nets' general manager, 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 over Irving's exclusion from NBA 75th Anniversary Team

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

October 21, 2021: Excluded 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. LeBron James and others criticized the exclusion.

2021: COVID-19 Vaccination 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.

2021: Irving becomes enrolled member of the 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.

January 5, 2022: Made season debut

On January 5, 2022, Kyrie Irving made his season debut, recording 22 points in a 129–121 victory over the Indiana Pacers.

February 2022: Mayor announced the vaccine requirement for indoor activities

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.

February 26, 2022: Scored season-high 38 points

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: Irving shares 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: Irving tweets link to anti-semitic 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 promoting Black Hebrew Israelite ideology containing antisemitic disinformation.

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October 29, 2022: Irving defends tweet and denies religious biases

On October 29, 2022, Kyrie Irving tweeted that deeming him antisemitic was "not justified" and claimed he would "learn from all walks of life and religions." Later that day, during a press conference, Irving denied having religious biases, defended his tweet, and stated he wouldn't back down on his beliefs.

November 3, 2022: Irving suspended by Nets for antisemitic beliefs

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: Misses majority of NBA season due to vaccination status

Due to his decision not to get vaccinated for COVID-19, Kyrie Irving missed the majority of the 2021-2022 NBA season.

January 20, 2023: Irving scores season-high 48 points against Utah 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 an 117–106 victory over the Utah Jazz.

February 6, 2023: Irving traded to the Dallas Mavericks

On February 6, 2023, the Nets traded Kyrie Irving, along with Markieff Morris, to the Dallas Mavericks, in exchange for Dorian Finney-Smith, Spencer Dinwiddie, an unprotected 2029 first-round pick, and second-round picks in 2027 and 2029.

July 7, 2023: Irving re-signs with Mavericks on a three-year contract

On July 7, 2023, Kyrie Irving was re-signed to a three-year contract with the Dallas Mavericks.

September 2023: Irving announces partnership with Anta Sports

In September 2023, Kyrie Irving announced a new partnership with Chinese sports brand Anta Sports, becoming Chief Creative Officer of Anta Basketball.