History of Kyrie Irving in Timeline

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Kyrie Irving

Kyrie Irving is an American professional basketball player currently playing for the Dallas Mavericks in the NBA. Drafted first overall by the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2011, he was named Rookie of the Year. Irving is a nine-time All-Star, a three-time All-NBA Team selection, and won an NBA championship with the Cavaliers in 2016. He is 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 against the Boston Celtics.

1972: Joing Isaiah Thomas and Jo Jo White

In his first playoff game as a Celtic, Kyrie 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.

1985: Michael Jordan Scoring at MSG

In 1985, Michael Jordan scored 40 points in Madison Square Garden before Kyrie Irving surpassed his record in 2013.

1986: First Celtic With 11 Double-Doubles Since Larry Bird

On January 26, 2019, Kyrie 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.

March 23, 1992: Kyrie Irving's Birth

On March 23, 1992, Kyrie Andrew Irving, a future professional basketball player, was born.

Others born on this day/year

2001: First 40-Point Game with 10+ Assists Since Antoine Walker

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, becoming the first Celtics player to do so since Antoine Walker in 2001.

2001: Scoring Record

On October 23, 2019, 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.

2004: Drederick Irving remarried

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

March 3, 2005: LeBron James Cavaliers Record

On March 3, 2005, LeBron James set the Cavaliers' franchise single-game scoring mark before Kyrie Irving surpassed his record in 2015.

2007: Most Points in First Six Games

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

August 2009: MVP at Nike Global Challenge

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

October 22, 2009: Committed 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 First Triple-Double

On March 16, 2010, The Cavaliers had their last triple-double before Kyrie Irvin's on February 28, 2014.

June 2010: FIBA Americas Under-18 Championship

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

2010: Played with the Blue Devils

In 2010, Kyrie Irving played with the Duke Blue Devils during the 2010–2011 basketball season under head coach Mike Krzyzewski.

May 2011: Irving Promises to Finish Degree

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

2011: Entered NBA Draft

In 2011, Kyrie Irving announced that he would forgo his final three seasons of eligibility and enter the NBA draft.

2011: Joined Cavaliers

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

2011: Played with the Blue Devils

In 2011, Kyrie Irving played with the Duke Blue Devils during the 2010–2011 basketball season under head coach Mike Krzyzewski.

2011: Celtics Victory Against the Spurs

In 2011, Kyrie Irving scored 24 points helping the Celtics beat the San Antonio Spurs 108-94, marking the Celtics' first victory against the Spurs since 2011.

2011: Drafted by Cleveland Cavaliers

In 2011, Kyrie Irving was selected by the Cleveland Cavaliers as the first overall pick in the NBA draft.

2011: Michael Kidd-Gilchrist in Highschool

In 2011, Michael Kidd-Gilchrist was widely regarded as one of the best players in the class while Kyrie Irving was attending St. Patrick High School.

February 2012: First 30-point triple-double since Rajon Rondo

On March 14, 2019, Kyrie 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.

July 14, 2012: Sustained Broken Right Hand

On July 14, 2012, while practicing with the Cavaliers in the NBA Summer League, Kyrie Irving sustained a broken right hand.

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.

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 Ads

In 2012, Kyrie Irving played the role of Uncle Drew in a series of Pepsi Max advertisements, writing and directing episodes 2 and 3.

2012: Starred in Kickin' It

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

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2012: Irving Contends for Australian Olympic Team

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

2012: Rising Stars Challenge MVP and Rookie of the Year

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

2013: Career-High 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 victory over the Utah Jazz.

April 5, 2014: Career-High Points Against Bobcats

On April 5, 2014, Kyrie Irving recorded a then career-high 44 points in an overtime loss to the Charlotte Bobcats.

July 10, 2014: Signed Contract Extension with Cavaliers

On July 10, 2014, Kyrie Irving signed a five-year, $90 million contract extension with the Cavaliers.

2014: Irving Wins Gold at FIBA World Cup

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

2014: NBA All-Star Game MVP

In 2014, Kyrie Irving was the NBA All-Star game MVP, recording 31 points and 14 assists as the East beat the West 163–155.

2014: Cavaliers' Record at End of Year

The Cavaliers finished 2014 with a 18-14 record, with the new Big Three missing time contributing to the team's inconsistency.

March 12, 2015: Career-High 57 Points Against Spurs

On March 12, 2015, Kyrie Irving scored a career-high 57 points, including a buzzer-beating three-point shot, in a victory over the San Antonio Spurs.

August 27, 2015: Ruled Unlikely 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 a left kneecap fracture.

November 2015: Irving Writes and Directs Episode 4 of "Uncle Drew"

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.

2015: Irving Launches PSD Underwear Collection

In 2015, Kyrie Irving launched his PSD Underwear collection.

2015: Irving's Season Low Against Dallas

In January 2015, Kyrie Irving had a season-low performance against Dallas, scoring just six points before leaving with lower back tightness.

2015: Screw Removal Surgery

In March 2018, Kyrie Irving was ruled out for the entire postseason 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: Joing Isaiah Thomas and Jo Jo White

In his first playoff game as a Celtic, Kyrie 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.

January 2016: Irving Enters Relationship with Kehlani

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

March 2016: Irving's Relationship with Kehlani Causes Controversy

In March 2016, Kyrie Irving's relationship with singer Kehlani 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: Scored Game-High 29 Points

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 victory over the New York Knicks.

November 2016: Irving Supports 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 Victory with Cavaliers

In 2016, Kyrie Irving and the Cavaliers defeated the Golden State Warriors in the NBA Finals, with Irving hitting a three-pointer in Game 7 to secure the victory.

2016: Voicework in We Bare Bears

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

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2016: Irving Focuses on Selection for United States Olympic Team

In 2016, Kyrie Irving elected not to represent his nation of birth (Australia), instead focusing on selection for the United States national team for the 2016 Olympic Games.

2016: Irving Wins Gold at Summer Olympics

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 the Cavaliers

In 2016, Kyrie Irving won an NBA championship with the Cleveland Cavaliers.

2016: Irving Puts Degree Plans on Hold

In 2016, having not achieved his degree, Kyrie Irving claimed he was putting his plans on hold, stating, "when I leave the game of basketball, then I'll focus on the next step of my life."

2016: NBA Finals Championship-Winning Shot

In the 2016 NBA Finals, Kyrie Irving made the championship-winning three-pointer to complete the Cavaliers' historic comeback over the Golden State Warriors.

2016: Irving Moves to Plant-Based Diet

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

January 23, 2017: Scored 35 of Season High Points in Second Half

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

February 2017: Irving States Belief Earth is Flat

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 a primary focus on his own team.

September 2017: Irving Denies Flat Earth Claims

In September 2017, Kyrie Irving denied his earlier 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 providing 10 assists in a 102-99 loss against the Cavaliers.

November 6, 2017: First 30-Point Game as a Celtic

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.

November 20, 2017: Season-High 47 Points and Winning Streak

On November 20, 2017, Kyrie Irving scored a season-high 47 points, including 10 in overtime, leading the Celtics to a 110-102 victory over the Dallas Mavericks, 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: Requested Trade 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: Irving's Signature Sneakers Second Best-Selling Line

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

2017: Eastern Conference Finals and NBA Finals Performances

In 2017, during Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Finals, Kyrie Irving scored a playoff career-high of 42 points, leading the Cavaliers to a 112-99 victory against the Boston Celtics. He then scored 24 points in Game 5, helping the Cavaliers secure their third consecutive Eastern Conference title. In Game 4 of the 2017 NBA Finals, he scored 40 points in a win against the Golden State Warriors, but the Cavaliers ultimately lost the series 4-1.

2017: Uncle Drew Ads Become Skit 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: 40 Points in Loss to Magic

On January 21, 2018, Kyrie Irving scored 40 points in a 103-95 loss to the Orlando Magic.

June 2018: Uncle Drew Feature Film Released

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

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June 2018: Irving Questions Earth's Shape

In a June 2018 interview, Kyrie Irving, when asked if he would admit that the world is round, 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 to the community, and in gratitude for Irving's activism on behalf of the water protectors at the Dakota Access Pipeline protests.

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.

October 16, 2018: Return from Injury

On October 16, 2018, Kyrie Irving returned to play after missing time due to injury, scoring seven points and seven assists in a 105-87 victory against the Philadelphia 76ers.

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: Promoted Antisemitic Conspiracy

In 2018, Kyrie Irving promoted conspiracies, including tweeting a link to the film Hebrews to Negroes: Wake Up Black America, which have been characterized as antisemitic.

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2018: Trade to the Celtics

In 2018, Kyrie Irving was traded to the Boston Celtics for Isaiah Thomas, Jae Crowder, Ante Žižić, and a first-round draft pick.

2018: Irving's Sneaker Trend Continues

In 2018, it was projected that Kyrie Irving's signature sneaker trend continued.

2018: "Uncle Drew" Feature Film Release

In 2018, the advertisements where Kyrie Irving wrote, directed, and acted as "Uncle Drew" became a feature film.

2018: Irving Begins Relationship with Marlene Wilkerson

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

January 16, 2019: Career-High 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: Signed with Brooklyn Nets

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

October 23, 2019: Nets Debut with 50 Points

On October 23, 2019, Kyrie Irving debuted for the Nets with 50 points, 8 rebounds, and 7 assists in a 127–126 overtime loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves.

2019: Irving's Nike Deal Worth $11 Million

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

2019: Signed with Brooklyn Nets

In 2019, Kyrie Irving signed with the Brooklyn Nets as a free agent.

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.

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: Irving Donates to Social Causes

In 2020, Kyrie Irving, through his K.A.I. Family Foundation, 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, and donated 17 pallets of food to the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe.

2020: Compensation for Thomas' failed physical

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

February 18, 2021: 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.

July 29, 2021: Irving Builds 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/Practice due to Vaccine Mandate

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 that Irving was Excluded from NBA 75th Anniversary Team List

Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic and Kyrie Irving's hesitancy to receive a vaccine against the virus, and sharing and interacting with social media posts from a conspiracy theorist on Instagram, it was speculated that in October 2021, Irving was excluded from the NBA 75th Anniversary Team list.

October 21, 2021: Exclusion from NBA 75th Anniversary Team

On October 21, 2021, Kyrie Irving was speculated to be originally on the NBA 75th Anniversary Team but was allegedly excluded due to the ongoing vaccine mandate controversy.

2021: Opted into player option

Following the end of the 2021–22 season, there was speculation that Irving would decline his player option and pursue a sign-and-trade deal with another team. Irving ultimately opted into his $37 million player option, returning to the Nets for the 2022–23 NBA season.

2021: Irving Becomes Enrolled Member of 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: Missed 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: Season Debut as Part-Time Player

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

February 2022: NYC Vaccine Mandate Controversy

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. Adams stated that creating an exemption for Irving would "send the wrong message".

February 26, 2022: 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: Irving Shares 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 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 based on a book of the same name, which promotes Black Hebrew Israelite ideology.

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October 29, 2022: Irving Responds to Anti-Semitism 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." The same day, during a postgame press availability at Barclays Center, Irving denied having any religious biases and defended the tweet, telling reporters that history is not supposed to be hidden from anybody.

November 3, 2022: Suspension 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 said that he is "currently unfit to be associated with the Brooklyn Nets."

2022: Missed 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: 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 the Dallas Mavericks

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

July 7, 2023: Kyrie Irving Re-Signs with Mavericks

On July 7, 2023, Kyrie Irving re-signed with the Dallas Mavericks, securing a three-year, $126 million contract.

September 2023: Irving Partners 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.

December 2023: Irving Invests in Kicks Crew

In December 2023, Kyrie Irving made an investment in sneaker platform Kicks Crew and joined the company as Chief Community Officer.

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: Reached NBA Finals with Mavericks

In 2024, Kyrie Irving reached his fourth NBA Finals with the Dallas Mavericks.

2024: Namesake Sneaker Announced for 2023–2024 NBA Season

In September 2023, a namesake sneaker was announced for the 2023–2024 NBA season as part of Kyrie Irving's partnership with Anta Sports.

February 1, 2025: Luka Dončić Traded to Lakers

On February 1, 2025, Luka Dončić was traded to the Los Angeles Lakers in exchange for Anthony Davis.

February 2025: Irving Intends to Play for Australia in Olympics

In February 2025, Kyrie Irving announced his intentions to play for Australia and join the Australian Boomers for the 2028 Olympic Games.

July 6, 2025: Kyrie Irving Re-Signs with Mavericks

On July 6, 2025, Kyrie Irving re-signed with the Mavericks on a three-year, $119 million contract.

2028: Irving Intends to Play for Australia in Olympics

In February 2025, Kyrie Irving announced his intentions to play for Australia and join the Australian Boomers for the 2028 Olympic Games.