Is There a New Rivalry In The Eastern Conference?

The NBA has to be happy with the buzz media days across the league have stirred up.  From them the league now has a new rivalry forming between two of the Eastern Conference's best teams.

On Monday at the Washington Wizards' media day Bradley Beal had some vain comments about the Wizards back court.  Beal said,

 "I think we’re definitely the best back court in the league, just in terms of what we’re capable of doing, the confidence that we have in that. At the same time we got to prove it" (Via WaPo).

Beal and Wall are one of the best backcourts in the league, but are they the best? This is where Cleveland Cavaliers guard Dion Waiters decided to join in on the debate.

After practice today, Waiters gave his opinion on Beal's comments.  He said,

"That's nonsense," Waiters said after practice Tuesday. "(Beal is) supposed to say that, but I know deep down, he's not messing with me and Ky (Kyrie Irving). I think me and Ky are the best backcourt, young backcourt. That's all."   (Via ESPN)

Waiters thinks he and Kyrie Irving are the best backcourt in the league though.  Just like Wall and Beal, they are two incredibly talented young guards.

Now it's time for the Wizards to fire right back at Waiters, right?  Today John Wall respond and said,

“[The Cavaliers] haven’t seen a playoff game yet, so when they make one, they can start talking,” Wall said. “If you’re going to be the best backcourt, you have to start,” Wall said. “This is the year [Waiters is] probably starting, so let’s see if they’re the best backcourt.” (Via The Washington Times)

John Wall really sparked up a rivalry with these comments.  Before this it was all just fun trash talking, but now Wall decided to make it personal.  Which might not be the best of ideas. It is never the best idea to spark a rivalry with the best team in your conference, especially when they have best player in the world on their roster, a.k.a LeBron James.

But then again, what Wall said is true.  Waiters has no reason to be talking yet.  The Cavs haven't made the playoffs nor has Waiters started.  But Waiters has great talent and will hopefully start this season.

Last season the Cavs "backcourt" of Irving and Waiters averaged a combined 36.7 PPG, 9.1 APG, and 6.4 RPG.  The Wizards backcourt of Wall and Beal averaged a combined 36.4 PPG, 12.1 APG, and 7.8 RPG.  The Wizards duo has a slight advantage but nothing major.  The two back courts who boast they are the best in the league are basically equal.

For now the two backcourts are just as good as each other.  But the bragging rights will be given to one team after their first matchup. The first time the Cavs and Wizards meet is on Friday November 21.  On that night the boastful backcourts will finally get to show each other what they are made of.  Until then it's hard to pick from one of them as the best backcourt in the league.  But for now all this trash talk and rivalry is a great way to start off the season.