Jarrett Allen says he and Kyrie Irving spoke, clarifies there’s ‘no bad blood’

After Wednesday’s loss to the Philadelphia 76ers, Kyrie Irving spoke about how the Nets need “one or two more pieces” to contend for a championship. In the quote, he named most of the Nets players but not Jarrett Allen and Joe Harris, both who have been around since the beginning of the Markinson era.

“Collectively I feel we have great pieces, but it’s pretty glaring that we need more piece, two more pieces that will complement myself, KD, DJ (DeAndre Jordan), GT (Garrett Temple), Spencer (Dinwiddie), Caris (LeVert) and we’ll see how that evolves.”

Prior to Saturday’s game against the Milwaukee Bucks, NetsDaily had a brief sit down with Allen, who had very little to say about the whole thing.

“It was whatever,” said Allen. “What do I expect him to do, name the whole team? That’s really the only comment I have on that.”

Irving reiterated at practice on Friday that he had spoken to the players on the team and had told them that he didn’t mean to single anybody out. Again, namely Allen and Harris. Allen explained how Irving spoke to him and that all is well between the two.

“We talked about it. He ended up saying everything is fine, so no bad blood.”

It’s a bit ironic that Kenny Atkinson spoke about Jarrett Allen before Saturday’s game, telling reporters, “To me, he’s one of the best centers in the league... I’ll say it.”

Let’s not forget, Allen is only 21-years-old and he’s averaging a double double in his third year in the NBA. He’s a huge part of Marks and Atkinson’s vision now and for the future, a player who puts in the work and has adapted nicely into the Brooklyn culture.

At the end of last season, 13-year veteran Jared Dudley told reporters that Allen is the “cornerstone” of the franchise.

“Jarrett Allen is the key,” said Dudley. “He’s the key ‘cause he’s the foundation. He blocks the shots, he’s (catching) the drop-offs and so he’s the one that’s going to give you 18 points without even calling a play in his level.”

It’s worth remembering that.