Kyrie Irving's username 'Hélà': What does it mean and what is the story behind it?
Kyrie Irving has been suspended by the Brooklyn Nets, in large part due to his activity on social media. The seven-time All-Star posted a link to an anti-Semitic film, which landed him in hot water.
In the midst of this controversy, Irving's name on social media platforms, Hélà, has caught the attention of fans. Here, we take a look at what that word means and its origins.
What is the meaning of Hélà?
Hélà is Kyrie Irving's Lakota name. The Lakota people are a Native American group located in South Dakota. They are one of the subcultures of the Sioux people. The name Hélà was given to Irving by the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe in a 2018 welcoming and naming ceremony.
Official press release on Kyrie Irving’s homecoming to Standing Rock. https://t.co/wWNVW6NgRj
In the Lakota language, Hélà means "Little Mountain". Irving was joined by his older sister, Asia Irving, in the ceremony. She was named Tatanka Winyan, which means "Buffalo Woman" in the Lakota language.
Irving's mother, who passed away when he was just four years old, was adopted off the Standing Rock reservation at a young age. The 2011-12 Rookie of the Year has paid homage to his Native American roots throughout the years with both shoe designs and tattoos.
He has made several large financial donations, in addition to donating food and masks during the COVID-19 pandemic.
When could Kyrie Irving return to the court?
Kyrie Irving is currently serving a team-imposed suspension that will last at least five games. While the earliest he can return is November 13 when the Brooklyn Nets visit the LA Lakers, the situation appears far from over. NBA Insider Shams Charania of The Athletic recently shared six things the Nets deem necessary for Irving to return.
Sources: Nets have delivered Kyrie Irving six items he must complete to return to team:
- Apologize/condemn movie
- $500K donation to anti-hate causes
- Sensitivity training
- Antisemitic training
- Meet with ADL, Jewish leaders
- Meet with Joe Tsai to demonstrate understanding
Irving's stance on the Nets' demands is currently unclear, as the three-time All-NBA guard is yet to speak publicly following the suspension. Upon his suspension being announced, however, Irving did post an apology on his Instagram page.
Irving has shown that he is willing to sacrifice his paycheck for what he believes in, as he missed all but 29 games last season after refusing to take the COVID-19 vaccination. If Irving refuses to agree to the terms laid out by the Nets, then he could find himself in a standoff with the team for a second straight season.
While the Nets can choose to sit Irving out for the rest of the season, that would hurt the team's chances of competing. It could also have long-term implications as it could lead to Kevin Durant once again requesting a trade. Although the outcome remains unclear, it is apparent that the issue will not simply go away.
Kyrie Irving - Early Years
Born in Melbourne, Australia, the NBA superstar Kyrie Irving was only 2 years old when his family decided to move to the United States. Drederick Irving, the father of Kyrie, was a professional basketball player who played at a high level in college and overseas with the Bulleen Bloomers.
Kyrie fell in love with the sport of basketball, while going to watch his father’s games at a very young age. Kyrie had lost his mother at the tender age of four and would often use basketball as a way to keep himself engaged.