Jarrett Allen Reflects on Time with Nets’ Superstars Durant, Irving

Brooklyn, New York – Former Brooklyn Nets center Jarrett Allen praised his time playing alongside superstars Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving in a recent article published in The Players’ Tribune. Allen, who was drafted by the Nets in 2017, became a key player during the early years of the duo’s tenure.

“I’ve always felt like I was very lucky to be drafted by Brooklyn. I was 19 when I got there, and then, in what seemed like a flash, I was playing with KD and Kyrie,” Allen wrote, recalling the excitement he felt being part of such a talented roster.

Allen, now with the Cleveland Cavaliers, played just 12 games with Brooklyn during the 2020-21 NBA season before being traded in a deal that brought James Harden to the team. Despite the brief time they spent together, he highlights the significant lessons he learned from Durant and Irving.

“When KD and Kyrie got there, everything was even more magnified. It’s just a different level of basketball when you’re learning how to play with guys of that caliber. They taught me a lot about the level of work you need to put in if you’re looking to become truly exceptional at your craft,” Allen continued.

In his rookie season, Allen averaged 8.2 points and 5.4 rebounds per game, but he improved to 11.1 points and 9.6 rebounds during the 2019-20 season, which marked Durant and Irving’s first year in Brooklyn. His development during this period helped solidify the Nets’ status as championship contenders.

As Allen and the Cavaliers prepare for their playoff matchup against the Miami Heat, he remains grateful for the experiences he had in Brooklyn. Despite his success in Cleveland, his memories of learning from two of the NBA’s greatest players continue to shape his career.