History of Kyrie Irving in Timeline

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

1972: Franchise History

In his first playoff game as a Celtic in 2019, Irving became just third player in franchise history (joining Isaiah Thomas in 2015 and Jo Jo White in 1972) to have 20-plus points, five-plus assists and five-plus rebounds in his postseason debut with the team, helping Boston defeat the Indiana Pacers 84–74 in game one of their first-round series.

1986: Irving's double-double with points and assists

On January 26, 2019, Irving recorded 32 points and 10 assists in a 115–111 loss to the Golden State Warriors. It was Irving's 11th double-double with points and assists, becoming the first Celtic with 11 of that kind of double-double since Larry Bird in 1986–87.

2001: 40 points with 10 or more assists

On November 16, 2018, Kyrie Irving recorded a season-high 43 points and 11 assists in a 123–116 overtime victory over the Toronto Raptors. It marked Irving's first ever game scoring at least 40 points with 10 or more assists, and became the first Celtics player to do so since Antoine Walker in 2001.

2001: Kyrie Irving Nets Debut Stats

On October 23, 2019, Kyrie Irving debuted for the Nets with 50 points, 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. Irving became the seventh player in franchise history to score 50 points or more in a single game, and joins Stephon Marbury (2001) as the only one to also record 15 combined rebounds and assists. Irving also scored 25 of the Nets' 56 points in the first half.

2007: Irving's Scoring Record as a Celtic

In October 2017, Irving's 128 points in his first six games as a Celtic were the most since Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen each had 131 in 2007.

May 2011: Promise to Finish Degree

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

2011: Celtics Victory Against the Spurs

In October 2017, Irving scored 24 points in helping the Celtics beat the San Antonio Spurs 108–94. It was the Celtics' first victory against the Spurs since 2011.

February 2012: Celtics Player To Record 30-Plus Points and a Triple-Double

On March 14, 2019, Irving recorded his second career triple-double with 31 points, 12 assists, and 10 rebounds in a 126–120 victory over the Sacramento Kings, becoming the first Celtics player to record 30-plus points and a triple-double in the same game since Rajon Rondo in February 2012.

2012: Appearance 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: Uncle Drew Pepsi Max Advertisements

In 2012, Kyrie Irving played the role of Uncle Drew in a series of Pepsi Max advertisements. He wrote and directed episode 2, in which Irving starred alongside Bill Russell and Kevin Love, and episode 3, in which he starred alongside Nate Robinson and Maya Moore.

2014: FIBA World Cup MVP

In 2014, Kyrie Irving was a member of the United States national team that competed in the FIBA Basketball World Cup. He helped lead Team USA to the gold medal and was subsequently named the tournament's MVP. He was also named the 2014 USA Basketball Male Athlete of the Year.

November 2015: Release of "Uncle Drew" Episode 4

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

2015: Launch of PSD Underwear Collection

In 2015, Kyrie Irving launched his PSD Underwear collection.

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.

2015: Franchise History

January 2016: Relationship with Kehlani

From January 2016, Kyrie Irving was in a relationship with singer Kehlani.

March 2016: End of Relationship with Kehlani and Media Controversy

In March 2016, Kyrie Irving's relationship with singer Kehlani ended, causing a Twitter media controversy after singer PartyNextDoor posted a Instagram photo of Kehlani’s hand while in bed together. Kehlani then attempted suicide shortly after.

October 25, 2016: Victory Over the New York Knicks

On October 25, 2016, Kyrie Irving received his first championship ring and scored a game-high 29 points, leading the Cavaliers to 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: Olympic Gold Medal

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, joining LeBron James, Michael Jordan, and Scottie Pippen.

2016: Transition to Plant-Based Diet

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

January 23, 2017: Loss to the New Orleans Pelicans

On January 23, 2017, Kyrie Irving scored 35 of his season-high 49 points in the second half, during the Cavaliers' narrow 124–122 loss to the New Orleans Pelicans.

February 2017: Flat Earth Beliefs

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

July 2017: Trade Request from Cavaliers

In July 2017, Kyrie Irving requested a trade from the Cavaliers, expressing a desire to be the focal point of his own team instead of playing alongside LeBron James.

September 2017: Denial of Flat Earth Claims

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

October 17, 2017: Celtics Debut

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

November 6, 2017: Victory Over the 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 and helping the team achieve their longest winning streak in seven years.

November 20, 2017: Victory Over the Dallas Mavericks

On November 20, 2017, Kyrie Irving scored 10 of his season-high 47 points in overtime, leading the Celtics to a 110–102 victory over the Dallas Mavericks and extending their winning streak to 16 games.

December 2017: Plant-Based Diet in Nike Ad

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

2017: Eastern Conference Title and NBA Finals Appearance

In 2017, Kyrie Irving led the Cavaliers to a 3-1 lead in the Eastern Conference Finals against the Boston Celtics with a playoff career-high 42 points in Game 4. He then helped the Cavaliers defeat the Celtics in Game 5, claiming their third straight Eastern Conference title and a return trip to the NBA Finals, where they ultimately lost to the Golden State Warriors.

2017: Second Best-Selling Signature Sneakers

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

2017: Uncle Drew skit with 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: Loss to the Orlando Magic

On January 21, 2018, Kyrie Irving scored 40 points in a 103–95 loss to the Orlando Magic. The Celtics had accumulated a 34–10 record by mid-January, but their loss to Orlando was their season-worst third straight defeat.

June 2018: Release of "Uncle Drew" feature film

In June 2018, Kyrie Irving starred as Uncle Drew in a feature film titled "Uncle Drew", which also featured former NBA stars.

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June 2018: Reiterated Doubts about Earth's Shape

In a June 2018 interview, when asked if he would admit that the world is round, Kyrie Irving 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 in gratitude for 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".

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2018: Projected Trend of Signature Sneakers

In 2018, it was projected that the trend of Kyrie Irving's signature sneakers being the second best-selling line continued.

2018: Trade Compensation

In 2018, the Brooklyn Nets' first-round draft pick, which the Celtics had acquired, turned into Collin Sexton as part of the compensation for the trade involving Kyrie Irving.

2018: Relationship with Marlene Wilkerson

Since 2018, Kyrie Irving has been in a relationship with Marlene Wilkerson and they have two sons together.

January 16, 2019: Victory Over the 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: Signing with the Brooklyn Nets

On July 7, 2019, Kyrie Irving signed with the Brooklyn Nets in free agency on a four-year, $136.5 million contract.

October 23, 2019: Nets Debut

2019: Nike Shoe Deal Value

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

January 12, 2020: Return 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.

2020: Donations 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 who opted out of playing during the COVID-19 pandemic, donated over $300,000 to food banks and with City Harvest on his birthday, and donated 17 pallets of food to the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe, through his K.A.I. Family Foundation.

2020: Trade Compensation

In 2020, the Celtics agreed to send the Cavaliers a second-round draft pick via the Miami Heat as compensation for Isaiah Thomas' failed physical in the Kyrie Irving trade.

February 18, 2021: NBA All-Star Selection

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

March 2021: First Tweet Espousing Black Hebrew Israelite Doctrine

In March 2021, Kyrie Irving made his first tweet espousing Black Hebrew Israelite doctrine, an ideology stating that black people are the real Jews, wherein antisemitism is common.

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: 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.

2021: Enrollment in 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: Season Debut

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.

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.

February 26, 2022: Victory Over the Milwaukee 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 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 Antisemitic Film

On October 27, 2022, Kyrie Irving tweeted a link to an Amazon listing page for the film "Hebrews to Negroes: Wake Up Black America," a film based on a book promoting Black Hebrew Israelite ideology, which contains antisemitic content.

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October 29, 2022: Irving Defends Tweet and Denies Antisemitism

On October 29, 2022, 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.

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."

January 20, 2023: Irving scores season-high 48 points

On January 20, 2023, Kyrie Irving scored a season-high 48 points, including eight 3-pointers, along with 11 rebounds, six assists, and four steals in an 117–106 victory over the Utah Jazz.

February 6, 2023: Trade to the Dallas Mavericks

On February 6, 2023, Kyrie Irving, along with Markieff Morris, was traded by the Nets 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: Re-signing with the Mavericks

On July 7, 2023, Kyrie Irving re-signed with the Dallas Mavericks to 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 and will be Chief Creative Officer of Anta Basketball. They will also launch a series of Anta x Kyrie Youth Basketball Camps around the world.