Kyrie Irving is an American professional basketball player for the Dallas Mavericks. Drafted first overall in 2011 by the Cleveland Cavaliers, he was named Rookie of the Year and went on to win an NBA championship with the team in 2016. Irving is an eight-time All-Star, three-time All-NBA Team member, and is widely regarded as one of the most skilled ball handlers in basketball history.
January 14, 1962: Most Points Against Defending Champion Since 1962
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 for the Philadelphia Warriors in a loss to the Celtics.
1972: Jo Jo White has 20-plus points, five-plus assists and five-plus rebounds in his postseason debut
In 1972, Jo Jo White became just the third player in Celtics franchise history to have 20-plus points, five-plus assists and five-plus rebounds in his postseason debut with the team.
1985: Youngest to Score 40 at Madison Square Garden
In 1985 Michael Jordan became the youngest player to score 40 points at Madison Square Garden until Kyrie Irving surpassed him in 2013, being a year younger than Jordan.
1986: Larry Bird records 11 double-doubles with points and assists
During the 1986-87 season, Larry Bird was the last Celtics player to record 11 double-doubles with points and assists before Kyrie Irving in January 1986.
March 23, 1992: Kyrie Irving is Born
On March 23, 1992, Kyrie Andrew Irving was born in Melbourne, Australia to American expatriates Drederick and Elizabeth Irving.
1996: Kyrie Irving is Discouraged from Using Left Hand
In 1996, While he was attending a Catholic School, Kyrie Irving was discouraged from using his left hand.
2001: Stephon Marbury scores 50 points for the Nets
In 2001, Stephon Marbury scored 50 points for the Nets, only the second player to do so along with Kyrie Irving.
2001: Antoine Walker scores 40 points with 10 or more assists
On this date in 2001, Antoine Walker became the first Celtics player since to score at least 40 points with 10 or more assists.
2002: Alex Jones Video
In 2002, Alex Jones released a video promoting conspiracy theories.
2004: Drederick Irving Remarries
In 2004, Kyrie Irving's father, Drederick, remarried to Shetellia Riley, who is currently Kyrie Irving's agent.
March 3, 2005: Surpasses Cavaliers Franchise Single-Game Scoring Record
Kyrie Irving's 57 points on March 12, 2015, surpassed the Cavaliers' franchise single-game scoring mark of 56 points, set by LeBron James against the Toronto Raptors on March 3, 2005.
August 2009: Kyrie Irving Wins Nike Global Challenge
In August 2009, Kyrie Irving leads the USA East team to the tournament title in the Nike Global Challenge, winning MVP with 21.3 points and 4.3 assists per game.
October 22, 2009: Kyrie Irving Commits to Duke
On October 22, 2009, Kyrie Irving commits to Duke University.
January 19, 2010: Kyrie Irving Selected to Junior National Select Team
On January 19, 2010, Kyrie Irving is selected to the 2010 Junior National Select Team.
March 16, 2010: Cavaliers First Triple Double Since 2010
Kyrie Irving's triple double on February 28, 2014, was the Cavaliers' first triple-double since March 16, 2010.
June 2010: Kyrie Irving Wins Gold with USA U18 Team
In June 2010, Kyrie Irving was part of the United States gold medal-winning team at the FIBA Americas Under-18 Championship.
2010: Kyrie Irving Begins Playing at Duke
Kyrie Irving begins his college basketball career with the Duke Blue Devils under head coach Mike Krzyzewski in 2010.
May 2011: Promise to Father
In May 2011, Kyrie Irving promised his father he'd finish his bachelor's degree at Duke within five years.
2011: Kyrie Irving Drafted by the Cleveland Cavaliers
In 2011, Kyrie Irving was selected by the Cleveland Cavaliers as the first overall pick in the NBA draft.
2011: Kyrie Irving Enters the NBA Draft
Kyrie Irving enters the 2011 NBA draft.
2011: Kyrie Irving Joins the Cleveland Cavaliers
Kyrie Irving joins the Cleveland Cavaliers after playing one year of college basketball for the Duke Blue Devils.
2011: Kyrie Irving Plays with Michael Kidd-Gilchrist
Kyrie Irving plays high school basketball with Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, who was widely regarded as one of the best players in the class of 2011.
February 2012: Rajon Rondo records 30+ points and a triple-double
On February 2012, Rajon Rondo became the first Celtics player to record 30-plus points and a triple-double in the same game since.
July 14, 2012: Hand Injury
On July 14, 2012, while practicing with the Cleveland Cavaliers in the NBA Summer League, Kyrie Irving sustained a broken right hand after reportedly slapping it against a padded wall in frustration after a turnover.
2012: Irving Stars in Pepsi Max's "Uncle Drew" Ad Campaign
Starting in 2012, Kyrie Irving took on the role of Uncle Drew in a series of popular Pepsi Max commercials.
2012: Irving Chooses to Represent the United States in International Competition
In 2012, Kyrie Irving, despite being eligible to play for Australia, decided to focus on representing the United States in the 2016 Olympic Games.
2012: Kyrie Irving Wins Rookie of the Year
Kyrie Irving wins the 2012 NBA Rookie of the Year Award, earning 117 of 120 first-place votes, and being the only unanimous selection for the NBA All-Rookie First Team.
2012: Irving Makes Guest Appearance on Disney XD's "Kickin' It"
Kyrie Irving made a guest appearance on an episode of the Disney XD show "Kickin' It" in 2012.
2012: Finger Injury and Career High
At the start of the 2012-2013 NBA season, Kyrie Irving injured his index finger. Upon returning to play he then suffered a broken bone in his face requiring him to wear a mask. In his second game back, Irving scored a then career-high 41 points against the New York Knicks.
2012: Kyrie Irving Stars in Kickin' It
Kyrie Irving stars as himself in the Disney XD television series, Kickin' It in 2012.
2013: Finger Injury and Career High
At the start of the 2012-2013 NBA season, Kyrie Irving injured his index finger. Upon returning to play he then suffered a broken bone in his face requiring him to wear a mask. In his second game back, Irving scored a then career-high 41 points against the New York Knicks.
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 win 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: Five-Year Contract Extension with the Cavaliers
On July 10, 2014, Kyrie Irving signed a five-year, $90 million contract extension with the Cavaliers.
2014: Kyrie Irving Wins All-Star Game MVP
Kyrie Irving wins the Most Valuable Player (MVP) award for the 2014 NBA All-Star Game.
2014: Cavaliers End 2014 at 18-14
The Cleveland Cavaliers finished 2014 with a record of 18 wins and 14 losses after a shaky start to the season due to injuries and inconsistency within the new "Big Three" of LeBron James, Kevin Love, and Kyrie Irving.
2014: All-Star Game MVP
Kyrie Irving was voted by fans to be the starting point guard for the Eastern Conference in the 2014 NBA All-Star game. Irving was named the All-Star game MVP with 31 points and 14 assists, leading the East to beat the West 163-155.
2014: Irving Leads Team USA to World Cup Gold, Named MVP
In 2014, Kyrie Irving played a crucial role in leading Team USA to victory in the FIBA Basketball World Cup, securing the gold medal. His performance earned him the tournament's Most Valuable Player award.
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 win over the San Antonio Spurs.
August 27, 2015: Out for Season Opener Due to Knee Injury
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 Releases Episode 4 of "Uncle Drew" Series
Kyrie Irving wrote and directed episode 4 of the "Uncle Drew" series, which was released in November 2015, featuring former NBA stars.
2015: Isaiah Thomas has 20-plus points, five-plus assists and five-plus rebounds in his postseason debut
In 2015, Isaiah Thomas became just the third player in Celtics franchise history to have 20-plus points, five-plus assists and five-plus rebounds in his postseason debut with the team.
2015: PSD Underwear Launch
Kyrie Irving launched his PSD Underwear collection in 2015.
2015: Cavaliers Inconsistent Start to 2015
The Cavaliers began their 2015 schedule on January 2nd with a win, but faced inconsistency with injuries and losses in the first two weeks of January.
November 2016: Support for Standing Rock Sioux Tribe
In November 2016, Kyrie Irving tweeted his support for the water protectors at Standing Rock.
2016: NBA Champions
The Cleveland Cavaliers finished the 2016 regular season as the first seed in the Eastern Conference with a 57-25 record. After sweeping the first round of the playoffs, the Cavaliers went on to reach the 2016 NBA Finals facing Golden State for the second straight year. Facing a 3–1 deficit, Irving and LeBron James led the Cavaliers to a Game 5 win, each scoring 41 points, becoming the first teammates to each score 40 points in an NBA Finals game. Irving hit the game winning shot in Game 7 to win the series 4-3 against the Golden State Warriors.
2016: Kyrie Irving Wins NBA Championship with the Cavaliers
Kyrie Irving wins an NBA championship with the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2016.
2016: Plant-Based Diet
Kyrie Irving shifted to a predominantly plant-based diet starting in the 2016-2017 season.
2016: Irving Wins Olympic Gold with Team USA
Kyrie Irving was a key player on the United States national team that won the gold medal at the 2016 Summer Olympics, adding to his accomplishments in the same year as winning the NBA championship.
2016: Kyrie Irving does Voicework for We Bare Bears
In 2016, Kyrie Irving did voicework for the animated television series, We Bare Bears.
2016: Degree Postponement
In 2016, Kyrie Irving announced he was putting his plans to finish his degree on hold.
2016: Kyrie Irving Makes Championship-Winning Shot
In the 2016 NBA Finals, Kyrie Irving makes the game-winning three-pointer to clinch the NBA Championship for the Cleveland Cavaliers.
February 2017: Flat Earth Comments
In February 2017, Kyrie Irving stated that he believes the Earth is flat.
September 2017: Denial of Flat Earth Belief
In September 2017, Kyrie Irving denied claims that he believes the Earth is flat, saying he was joking.
December 2017: Nike Ad
Kyrie Irving referenced his plant-based diet in a Nike ad in December 2017.
2017: Kyrie Irving Traded to Boston Celtics
After another Finals appearance in 2017, Kyrie Irving requested a trade and was dealt to the Boston Celtics.
2017: Irving's Signature Nike Sneakers Achieve Second Best-Selling Status
In 2017, Kyrie Irving's signature line of Nike sneakers reached the second-highest sales, trailing only LeBron James'.
2017: "Uncle Drew" Ad Campaign Gets a Refresh
The "Uncle Drew" advertising campaign was updated in 2017, featuring a skit set in an old-school diner with Pepsi in its current design alongside a vintage Pepsi cooler.
June 2018: Ambiguous Stance on Flat Earth
In June 2018, Kyrie Irving did not admit that the world is round, saying people should do their own research.
June 2018: "Uncle Drew" Feature Film Released
Kyrie Irving starred in the feature film "Uncle Drew," released in June 2018, which also featured former NBA stars.
August 2018: Standing Rock Sioux Tribe Ceremony
In August 2018, Kyrie Irving and his older sister were honored at Standing Rock Indian Reservation.
October 2018: Apology for Flat Earth Comments
In October 2018, Kyrie Irving apologized for his comments about the Earth being flat.
2018: Relationship with Marlene Wilkerson
Kyrie Irving began a relationship with Marlene Wilkerson in 2018. They have two sons together.
2018: Release of "Hebrews to Negroes" Film
The film "Hebrews to Negroes: Wake Up Black America," promoting Black Hebrew Israelite ideology, was released in 2018.
2018: Irving's Themed Sneaker Collaborations Garner Popularity
Kyrie Irving collaborated on themed sneaker releases, including those inspired by "Friends" and "SpongeBob SquarePants." Notably, the "SpongeBob" collection sold out rapidly.
2018: Irving Lends Voice to "Family Guy" Episode
In 2018, Kyrie Irving made a guest voice appearance in an episode of "Family Guy" titled "Big Trouble in Little Quahog."
2018: Uncle Drew Feature Film is Released
In 2018, "Uncle Drew", a feature film starring Kyrie Irving was released. Irving also wrote, directed, and acted in a number of advertisements as "Uncle Drew".
July 7, 2019: Kyrie Irving signs with Brooklyn Nets
On July 7, 2019, Kyrie Irving signed with the Brooklyn Nets in free agency.
October 23, 2019: Kyrie Irving scores 50 points in Nets Debut
On October 23, 2019, Kyrie Irving debuted for the Nets with 50 points, becoming the first player in NBA history to score 50 points or more in a team debut.
2019: Irving's Shoe Deal with Nike Valued at US $11 Million
As of 2019, Kyrie Irving's endorsement agreement with Nike was reported to be worth US $11 million.
2019: Kyrie Irving Signs with Brooklyn Nets
In 2019, after playing with the Boston Celtics for two seasons, Kyrie Irving signs with the Brooklyn Nets as a free agent.
January 12, 2020: Kyrie Irving returns from injury
On January 12, 2020, Irving returned from a right shoulder injury that caused him to miss 26 games.
February 2020: Kyrie Irving Elected Vice President of NBPA
In February 2020, Kyrie Irving is elected as one of the seven vice-presidents of the National Basketball Players Association.
2020: Philanthropic Activities
In 2020, Kyrie Irving donated to several causes, including a house for George Floyd's family, paid off student debt, supported WNBA players during the pandemic, donated to food banks and provided food to the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe.
February 18, 2021: Kyrie Irving selected as an Eastern Conference starter for the 2021 NBA All-Star Game
On February 18, 2021, Kyrie Irving was selected as an Eastern Conference starter for the 2021 NBA All-Star Game, his seventh selection.
March 2021: Black Hebrew Israelite Doctrine Tweet
Kyrie Irving made his first tweet supporting Black Hebrew Israelite doctrine in March 2021.
July 29, 2021: Solar Water Center in Pakistan
Kyrie Irving built a solar water center in Pakistan on July 29, 2021 through his foundation.
October 12, 2021: Kyrie Irving ineligible to play or practice with the Brooklyn Nets
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.
2021: Standing Rock Sioux Tribe Citizenship
Kyrie Irving became an enrolled member of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe in 2021.
2021: Kyrie Irving Misses Majority of NBA Season
Kyrie Irving's decision not to get vaccinated for COVID-19 led to him missing the majority of the 2021–2022 NBA season.
2021: Conversion to Islam
Kyrie Irving converted to Islam in early 2021 and has fasted for Ramadan every year since.
January 5, 2022: Kyrie Irving returns to play for the Brooklyn Nets
On January 5, 2022, Kyrie Irving made his season debut after being reinstated as a part-time player by the Brooklyn Nets.
February 2022: Irving Scores Season-High 38 Points, Vaccine Mandate Remains
In February 2022, Kyrie Irving scored a then season-high 38 points against the Milwaukee Bucks. Despite New York City lifting its vaccine requirement for indoor activities on March 7, a separate workplace mandate remained in place for Irving, preventing him from playing home games.
September 15, 2022: Sharing of Alex Jones Video
On September 15, 2022, Kyrie Irving shared a video by Alex Jones on his Instagram.
October 3, 2022: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Criticism
On October 3, 2022, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar criticized Kyrie Irving for sharing a video by Alex Jones.
October 27, 2022: Promotion of "Hebrews to Negroes" Film
On October 27, 2022, Kyrie Irving tweeted a link to the film "Hebrews to Negroes: Wake Up Black America."
November 3, 2022: Nets Suspend Irving for Failure to Denounce Antisemitic Beliefs
On November 3, 2022, the Brooklyn Nets suspended Kyrie Irving for at least five games due to his refusal to explicitly deny antisemitic beliefs, deeming him unfit to be associated with the team.
2022: Kyrie Irving Returns After Missing Majority of NBA Season
Kyrie Irving returns to playing in the NBA after missing most of the 2021-2022 season.
January 20, 2023: Irving Scores Season-High 48 Points, Named All-Star Starter
On January 20, 2023, Kyrie Irving achieved a season-high 48 points against the Utah Jazz. Later that month, he was selected as an Eastern Conference starter for the 2023 NBA All-Star Game, marking his eighth All-Star appearance and sixth as a starter.
February 6, 2023: Nets Trade Irving to the Dallas Mavericks
On February 6, 2023, the Brooklyn Nets traded Kyrie Irving and Markieff Morris to the Dallas Mavericks in exchange for Dorian Finney-Smith, Spencer Dinwiddie, and future draft picks.
July 7, 2023: Mavericks Re-Sign Irving to a Three-Year Contract
On July 7, 2023, Kyrie Irving signed a three-year contract to remain with the Dallas Mavericks.
September 2023: Partnership with Anta Sports
In September 2023, Kyrie Irving announced a partnership with Anta Sports. The deal will see Irving become Chief Creative Officer of Anta Basketball, launch a namesake sneaker for the 2023-2024 NBA season and host a series of youth basketball camps globally.
December 2023: Investment in Kicks Crew
Kyrie Irving invested in sneaker platform Kicks Crew in December 2023 and became the company's Chief Community Officer. His role will focus on cause-driven projects.
2023: Kyrie Irving Traded to Dallas Mavericks
After four seasons with the Brooklyn Nets, Kyrie Irving requested a trade and was dealt to the Dallas Mavericks in 2023.
January 11, 2024: Irving Scores 44 Points in Win Over Knicks
On January 11, 2024, Kyrie Irving scored 44 points and contributed 10 assists in a victory against the New York Knicks.