Kyrie Irving has had a few ups and downs in his 13-year NBA career. This season certainly qualifies as an "up."
Irving has gelled perfectly with Luka Doncic in Dallas, forming one of the NBA's most dynamic duos. Both stars have risen to the moment in high-pressure situations in these playoffs, with Irving taking on a larger leadership role on a Mavericks team with more than a few young pieces.
It was less than two years ago, however, that Irving was the subject of controversy after controversy while his tenure with the Nets was spiraling. The 32-year-old has seemingly matured since he landed in Dallas, and his father's influence might be one of the biggest reasons.
Here's a closer look at Irving's father and his own basketball career.
MORE: Why Kyrie Irving left the Celtics in 2019
Who is Kyrie Irving's dad?
Irving's father, Drederick Irving, is a former basketball player himself. Drederick spent four seasons at Boston University, averaging at least 18 points per game in each of his final three seasons before going on to play overseas in Australia.
Drederick didn't get an NBA opportunity beyond a tryout with the Celtics, but Kyrie has spoken numerous times about how hard his father pushed him to play at the highest level.
"My father is the one who told me to want more. My father is the one who told me not to settle," Kyrie said.
Kyrie described to ESPN in 2012 exactly how his father motivated him from a young age.
"In eighth grade, my father told me I would wind up as the best guard in the state of New Jersey," he said. "In my senior year of high school, he told me I'd be the number one player in the country. Then, in college, he told me I'd be the number one pick in the draft. He laid out all the necessary steps for me. It was up to me what I did with them."
Kyrie was the No. 1 pick in the NBA Draft in 2011 despite an injury-plagued season at Duke. He rewarded the Cavaliers with six strong seasons and an NBA championship alongside LeBron James. Kyrie believes it was all possible through his father.
“If you are fortunate to have a father like I have, you’re given a foundation," he told ESPN.
Kyrie's mother passed away when he was only four, which put pressure on Drederick as well as Kyrie's aunts to raise him. Drederick can still be seen watching Kyrie's games closely, particularly as the Mavericks make what they hope will be a championship run when all is said and done.
Here are some more details on Drederick Irving's basketball career between Boston University and Australia.
MORE: Breaking down Kyrie Irving's playoff history
Drederick Irving basketball career
Drederick Irving was a basketball standout during his four seasons with the Terriers in the 1980s, starting his career just two seasons after coach Rick Pitino left the school.
| Season | School | Games | PTS | REB | AST | FG% |
| 1984-85 | Boston University | 30 | 6.4 | 1.4 | 0.9 | 40.4% |
| 1985-86 | Boston University | 31 | 18.0 | 2.8 | 2.1 | 48.8% |
| 1986-87 | Boston University | 30 | 18.8 | 3.2 | 2.3 | 46.6% |
| 1987-88 | Boston University | 31 | 19.9 | 3.4 | 2.8 | 48.2% |
| Career | 122 | 15.8 | 2.7 | 2.0 | 46.9% |
Drederick graduated from Boston University as the program's leading scorer at the time, and he actually faced Mike Krzyzewski and Duke in an NCAA Tournament game with the Terriers in 1988.
While the NBA wasn't in the cards for Drederick, he did establish himself in Australia with the Bulleen Bombers. Kyrie would be born in Australia as a result of his father's career in the country.
Kyrie Irving won't be received well in Boston despite his father's close connection to the city. The Celtics didn't reach expectations during Irving's two seasons in Boston, with injuries and uncharacteristic struggles plaguing the All-Star at times.
Irving's relationship with Boston became even more strained when he left, a year after he publicly said he planned to re-sign with the Celtics. He drew criticism for stomping on the Celtics' logo at midcourt while with the Nets, and Irving accused Celtics fans of engaging in "subtle racism" during games.
With the NBA Finals tipping off in Boston, Irving has little choice but to embrace the tense environment given the way Celtics fans feel about him. His father, however, has a personal connection with the city that can't be erased.
MORE: Kyrie Irving's timeline of controversial Celtics moments
Drederick Irving shoe deal
Drederick Irving hasn't played competitive basketball in decades, but he's now poised to land his own shoe deal. Kyrie signed his father as the first client for his new signature sneaker line with Chinese brand ANTA. Drederick's shoe is expected to be released in September.
Sources: Dallas Mavericks star Kyrie Irving is signing the first signature athlete for his ANTA shoe line: His father, Drederick Irving.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 4, 2024
This marks the first time in pro sports a player has signed his dad to a signature shoe deal. pic.twitter.com/PB7ZXquVwY
It's a nice tribute from Kyrie to his father, and the timing is poignant knowing the 32-year-old has a real chance to win his second NBA title and add to a legacy that took some hits — often self-inflicted — over the last few years.
For Drederick, all of the emotions will likely be flowing in Boston. Going back to the city where he enjoyed so much success is meaningful in itself, but the sour reaction Kyrie is all but certain to receive from the TD Garden crowd might make it a bittersweet series for the former Boston University star.
