When members of the Cleveland Cavaliers’ 2016 championship team gathered in Europe to celebrate the 10-year anniversary of their historic title run, one notable name was missing: Kyrie Irving.
The absence quickly fueled speculation after former teammate J.R. Smith responded to fans questioning why Irving was not part of the festivities.
“He was invited and ghosted us all,” Smith wrote on social media.
Many interpreted the comment as evidence of lingering tension between Irving and his former teammates. However, the reality appears far less dramatic.
Irving Had Prior Commitments
According to sources, Irving never committed to the trip because he already had a packed schedule in the United States.
Instead of celebrating the Cavaliers’ 2016 championship reunion in Europe, Kyrie Irving chose to spend his time mentoring young players at the NBPA Top 100 Camp before returning to New Jersey to connect with and inspire up-and-coming student-athletes in his local community
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— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) June 18, 2026
The Dallas Mavericks guard spent June 8 through June 12 serving as a mentor at the NBPA Top 100 Camp in Rock Hill, South Carolina. The annual event brings together many of the nation’s top high school basketball prospects and features guidance from NBA players, coaches, and trainers.
Irving has long embraced mentorship opportunities. J.R. Smith spoke highly of his former teammate during a 2023 interview, praising both Irving’s talent and character.
“Kai is just an unbelievable player and an unbelievable person, too,” Smith said. “I’m just glad to see him back.”
After his time in South Carolina, Irving returned to New Jersey for community-focused appearances at Teaneck High School and West Orange High School. Both programs have connections to Anta, the footwear brand with which Irving maintains a significant partnership.
While missing the Cavaliers reunion sparked plenty of conversation online, Irving’s absence appears to have been the result of previously scheduled basketball and community commitments rather than any fractured relationship with his former championship teammates.
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