Kyrie Irving

Kyrie Irving – Life, Career, and Legacy

Kyrie Irving (born March 23, 1992) is an American–Australian NBA point guard, 2016 NBA champion, and one of the most skilled ball-handlers in basketball. Explore his rise, achievements, controversies, and impact.

Introduction

Kyrie Andrew Irving is one of the most electrifying and controversial figures in modern basketball. Known for his dazzling handles, clutch scoring, and creative shot-making, Irving has also been at the center of debates on athlete activism, belief systems, and media narratives. His journey—from a dual-citizen child born in Australia to NBA stardom—reflects both the brilliance and complexities of modern professional athletes.

Early Life and Family

Kyrie Irving was born on March 23, 1992, in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. Drederick Irving and Elizabeth Larson, were Americans living abroad.

Irving’s mother died when he was about four years old, leaving his father and extended family to raise him.

Because of his father’s career in Australia, Irving holds dual citizenship (United States and Australia) and spent his earliest years in Australia before moving to the U.S.

Irving also has Lakota ancestry, and he is an enrolled member of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe.

Youth, High School & College

High School

Irving began high school at Montclair Kimberley Academy in New Jersey, where he posted impressive averages and became one of the few players to score over 1,000 points in school history. St. Patrick High School in Elizabeth, New Jersey, which is known for its strong basketball program.

At St. Patrick, Irving starred on a team that included Michael Kidd-Gilchrist. 24.0 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 7.0 assists per game. McDonald’s All-American Game and Jordan Brand Classic.

College

Irving played just one season of college basketball at Duke University (2010–2011) under coach Mike Krzyzewski.

After that single season, he entered the 2011 NBA Draft.

Professional Career & Achievements

NBA Entry & Cleveland Cavaliers (2011–2017)

• Irving was selected first overall in the 2011 NBA Draft by the Cleveland Cavaliers.

• He won the NBA Rookie of the Year award for the 2011–12 season.

• Over the next seasons, he became a multiple NBA All-Star, an All-NBA team member, and one of the league’s most dangerous offensive threats.

• In 2016, Irving delivered a signature moment: with the Cavaliers down 3–1 in the NBA Finals, he hit the championship-clinching three-pointer in Game 7 against the Golden State Warriors, helping complete one of the greatest comebacks in Finals history.

Boston Celtics (2017–2019)

In 2017, Irving requested a trade and was moved to the Boston Celtics.

Brooklyn Nets (2019–2023)

In free agency, he signed with the Brooklyn Nets in 2019. His debut for Brooklyn was spectacular: he scored 50 points, 8 rebounds, and 7 assists in his first game with the team. In 2021, Irving joined the 50-40-90 club (shooting ≥50% from field, ≥40% from three, ≥90% from free throws).

Dallas Mavericks (2023–present)

In February 2023, Irving was traded to the Dallas Mavericks. He has continued to perform strongly, including being named an All-Star replacement in 2025.

However, during the 2024–25 season, he suffered a torn ACL in his left knee, ending his season prematurely.

In June 2025, reports indicated that Irving planned to decline a player option and instead sign a new 3-year, $119 million contract to stay in Dallas.

Style of Play & Legacy

Irving is revered as one of the greatest ball-handlers of all time.

He is also known for making clutch shots in big games—and for his offensive versatility.

At times, though, injuries, off-court controversies, and cognitive dissonance between his beliefs and public expectations have clouded how his career is perceived.