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Celtics and Cavaliers Could Be The NBA’s Next Great Rivalry

By Brendan Carducci

Mar 5, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Kyrie Irving (2) and Boston Celtics guard Avery Bradley (0) during the second quarter at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 5, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Kyrie Irving (2) and Boston Celtics guard Avery Bradley (0) during the second quarter at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports /
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Could the Cavaliers and Celtics become the NBA’s premier rivalry?

Athletic contests, professional or intercollegiate, are always more intense between rivals. Boston as a city knows a thing or two about fierce rivalries. Whether it’s the Boston Celtics–Los Angeles Lakers, Red Sox-Yankees, or Patriots-Giants, Boston sports fans appreciate some old fashioned hate.

For the Celtics, serious disdain towards one team has disappeared these past few seasons. Earlier on in this decade Boston had a rivalry with both the Lakers and Miami Heat. The Lakers have since dipped to laughable levels, and main characters in that Miami rivalry have moved on.

As the Celtics ascend from the depths of their rebuild, it is time for a new rival to emerge. The Cleveland Cavaliers could be that rival for the Celtics. In fact, the ground work may have already been laid.

Flashback to the 2015 NBA Playoffs, Cavaliers and Celtics paired up for a first round series. Before entering that series, Boston fans loathed LeBron James. The King, his excellence was envied by most in an almost jealous fashion. He could man handle a game and then show one moment of weakness that fans loved to pounce on. Hatred towards the Cavaliers superstar has already been there since his original stint in Cleveland.

In conjunction with abhor towards James, some players on both Boston and Cleveland have bad blood. Going back to that playoff series, a collection of players had personal issues. The prominent idea that comes to mind is Kelly Olynyk pulling Kevin Love‘s arm right out of the socket.

But maybe the better beef included Jae Crowder and J.R. Smith. During Game 4 of the 2015 NBA Playoffs First Round, J.R Smith punched Jae Crowder, injuring him seriously.

Shortly after Crowder asked for an apology, Smith refusing.

“Yeah, he may want to wait on that.” Smith told reporters in regards to an apology. “He can hold his breath before I give it to him sooner or later.”

Not only are there personal discord between players, both teams should be atop the Eastern Conference for a few years. All of the great rivalries are comprised of two great teams. Yes, sports fans love a David vs. Goliath story every once in a while, but nothing stirs up more excitement than a clash of the titans. Both teams are projected to be in the NBA’s upper echelon. Cleveland is coming fresh off a NBA title, while the Celtics made huge strides forward with additions like Al Horford.

For this rivalry to truly take shape, something noteworthy must happen. Whether it is meeting in consecutive Eastern Conference Finals, or players sharing more personal beef – this rivalry cannot be serious until both teams share a noteworthy moment that can exacerbate the detest.

If Boston had been more competitive back in the 2015 playoffs, maybe Love’s arm and Smith’s punch would be enough for their hate to escalate into a rivalry.

Next: Area of Improvement for Each Starter

For now, the Celtics main goal has to be banner 18. Another banner hanging from TD Garden’s rafters will not come without going through Cleveland. The Celtics and Cavaliers are perfect rivals, the initial backstory is already in place. We are a couple of tense moments away from rivalry talk, picking on the world champions is always a way to build excitement.

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