Former Cavalier Kyrie Irving: ‘It Will Always Be Love’ For Cleveland

Originally posted on Cleveland Cavaliers on SI
By Logan Potosky | Last updated Feb 28, 2024 8:00 AM ET

When the Cleveland Cavaliers won their first championship in 2016, an integral part of their roster was Kyrie Irving.

Last night, the veteran guard played in Cleveland as a member of an opposing team for the sixth time in his career. It was his first time playing against the Wine and Gold in Cleveland as a member of the Dallas Mavericks.

During the game, a video tribute in his honor was shown, after which the home crowd at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse gave the 31-year-old a rousing ovation.

Kyrie Irving gets a HUGE ovation from Cavs fans as the team welcomes him back to Cleveland.

Irving was very gracious, showing fans love.#Cavs pic.twitter.com/CWcqF0ZRpX
— Hayden Grove (@H_Grove) February 28, 2024

After the contest, which the Cavaliers won 121-119 in thrilling, game-winning fashion, Irving posted a message on X to express his gratitude for the city he represented during his first six NBA seasons.

It will always be Love from me and my Tribe, Cleveland aka Believeland. No one will ever be able to take away our banner we won together.
All for one, one for all. What a time.

Chief Hélà
♾❤️
— Chief Hélà (@KyrieIrving) February 28, 2024

Irving reached the NBA Finals in each of his final three seasons with the team, and made the game-winning three-pointer in Game 7 of the 2016 NBA Finals.

The 2016 NBA Champion had a remarkable six seasons with the Wine and Gold. After being selected by Cleveland with the first overall pick in the 2011 NBA Draft, Irving became one of the premier players in the league.

With the Cavaliers, the guard earned three NBA All-Star selections, won the 2011-12 NBA Rookie of the Year Award, and was named to the 2014-15 All-NBA Third Team.

He averaged 21.6 points, 3.4 rebounds, 5.5 assists, and 1.3 steals per game in 381 regular-season contests for the Wine and Gold.

Over six years since he was traded to the Boston Celtics, it appears that Irving and Cleveland continue to maintain a strong, positive relationship.

This article first appeared on Cleveland Cavaliers on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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