The Dallas Mavericks will take on the Golden State Warriors this Christmas Day, promising an electric matchup for fans, even though star point guard Kyrie Irving remains out of action. Irving tore the ACL in his left knee on March 3 during a game against the Sacramento Kings. This injury forced him to miss the rest of the 2024-2025 season, and there is still no set timetable for his return.
Despite the injury, Irving still agreed to a three-year, $120 million extension with the Mavericks. While Irving’s return to basketball remains uncertain, media attention has also turned to his personal life in the meantime.
Who is Kyrie Irving’s Wife, Marlene Wilkerson?
Irving is married to Marlene Wilkerson, a social media influencer from Los Angeles. Wilkerson earned a business marketing degree from California State University, Dominguez Hills, according to her LinkedIn.
Wilkerson soon began an online shop and took to social media to promote it.
Wilkerson explained, “I started my own clothing line, and I used social media as a platform and a tool to basically market my company. I did not have a lot of followers on Instagram, I didn’t have a YouTube channel at all, so I literally started from ground zero.
“My business model was I would find products from wholesale manufacturers and I would obtain a certain amount of inventory. I would put a picture on Instagram and I would sell out of the clothing that I would wear.”
She now has a clothing line and frequently posts videos on YouTube.
How Did Irving Meet Wilkerson?
They reportedly met back in 2018, and she was spotted with him at his basketball camp. According to People Magazine, Wilkerson was seen wearing an engagement ring less than a year later.
“I knew she was the one for me when you know, I dropped those tears,” Irving said. “You drop those tears over the girl you in love with, man, it changes your life forever.”
He also showed his love publicly on her birthday in 2022.
“I love you and I am eternally grateful we get to spend our lives together. You have taught me so much about Balance, Love, Trust, Community and Forgiveness,” he wrote on Instagram.
The couple has two children: a son born in 2021, and a second child reportedly born in late 2022.
The two have since become more public with their relationship, making appearances at events such as the ESPYS.
Despite the ups and downs of his career, including injuries, Irving has been a standout player, averaging 23.7 points, 5.6 assists, 4.1 rebounds, and 1.3 steals.
Irving was the number one pick of the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2011 and helped the Cavaliers capture the 2016 NBA title alongside LeBron James in an epic 3-1 comeback over the Warriors.
Before his injury last season, the 32-year-old was having another strong year, averaging 24.7 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 4.6 assists per game.
With Irving still recovering, the focus shifts back to the court as the Warriors and Mavericks tip off at 5:00 p.m. ET on Thursday. The game will be broadcast on ABC and ESPN.
