Bronze Statue of Cleveland cavaliers Legend Kyrie Irving Revealed, Commemorating His Historic Contributions to..
Bronze Statue of Cleveland Cavaliers Legend Kyrie Irving Revealed, Commemorating His Historic Contributions
Cleveland, OH – A towering tribute to one of the city’s most iconic sports figures was unveiled today as a bronze statue honoring Cleveland Cavaliers legend Kyrie Irving was revealed in front of Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. The ceremony drew a massive crowd of fans, former teammates, and city officials, all gathered to commemorate the point guard’s unforgettable impact on the franchise and the city of Cleveland.
Kyrie Irving, who played for the Cavaliers from 2011 to 2017, left an indelible mark on the team’s history. Drafted first overall in the 2011 NBA Draft, Irving quickly established himself as a transcendent talent with dazzling ball-handling skills, clutch shooting, and leadership under pressure. His most iconic moment came in Game 7 of the 2016 NBA Finals when he hit the game-winning three-pointer over Stephen Curry, helping the Cavaliers overcome a 3–1 deficit against the Golden State Warriors to win the franchise’s first-ever NBA championship.
The newly revealed statue captures that very moment — Irving poised mid-shot, eyes locked on the rim, forever immortalized in bronze. Sculptor Julie Rotblatt-Amrany, known for her work on sports monuments across the U.S., said, “We wanted to capture not just the motion, but the emotion — the gravity of that shot that changed the course of Cleveland sports history.”
Cleveland Mayor Justin Bibb spoke during the unveiling, emphasizing the significance of honoring athletes who have played a pivotal role in uniting the city. “Kyrie’s contributions went beyond the basketball court. In 2016, he gave this city hope and pride when we needed it most,” Bibb said.
Though Irving’s departure from the Cavaliers in 2017 was marked by controversy, the mood at the unveiling was one of celebration and reconciliation. Fans in attendance held signs reading “Forever a Cavalier” and “Thank You, Kyrie,” underscoring the gratitude many still feel toward the All-Star guard.
Kyrie Irving, now playing for the Dallas Mavericks, appeared at the ceremony via a video message. “Cleveland will always be a part of my story,” he said. “That 2016 championship wasn’t just a win on the scoreboard — it was a win for the people, the city, and everyone who believed in something bigger.”
Former teammates, including LeBron James and Kevin Love, also sent their tributes, with James calling Kyrie’s 2016 Finals shot “the most iconic moment in Cavaliers history.”
The statue is now part of Cleveland’s growing Legends Row, which also features tributes to other city sports heroes such as Jim Brown and LeBron James. For fans and visitors, it serves as a permanent reminder of a magical moment and a player whose legacy, regardless of where his career has taken him since, is firmly cemented in the city’s heart.
As the sun set over downtown Cleveland, the bronze statue of Kyrie Irving gleamed — a symbol of triumph, excellence, and a shared memory that will never fade.
