Recently, Washington Wizards point guard said that he and shooting guard Bradley Beal formed the best backcourt in the NBA. Apparently, that didn't sit well with Cleveland Cavaliers guard Dion Waiters who responded to the claim with a succinct, "That's nonsense." Waiters and Kyrie Irving form the backcourt for the Cavs.
So which team has the better backcourt: the Wizards or Cavaliers? Let's compare.
2013-2014 Numbers
John Wall: 19 points, 8 assists, 4 rebounds, 43% from the field, 35% from deep.
Kyrie Irving: 20 points, 6 assists, 4 rebound, 43% from the field, 35% from deep.
Bradley Beal: 17 points, 3 assists, 3 rebounds, 41% from the field, 40% from deep.
Dion Waiters: 16 points, 3 assists, 3 rebounds, 43% from the field, 37% from deep.
Wow, those numbers are strikingly similar. Both backcourts can fill the stat sheet. Waiters may not play as many minutes as the other guys, which prevent him from putting up additional numbers. But the edge has to go towards Washington's duo because of their increased ability to get teammates involved and their superior shooting percentages from 3-point range.
Individual Accolades
John Wall: One -time All-Star, NBA All-Rookie First Team
Kyrie Irving: Two-time All-Star, 2014 NBA All-Star Game MVP, 2012 NBA Rookie of the Year, NBA All-Rookie First Team, 2014 FIBA World Cup MVP
Bradley Beal: 2013 NBA All-Rookie First Team
Dion Waiters: 2013 NBA All-Rookie First Team
Irving's individual accomplishments dwarf both Wall and Beal's. He single handedly wins this category for the Cavaliers backcourt.
Team Success
Washington Wizards: .368 winning percentage since 2010 (Wall's rookie year), one playoff appearance, one playoff series won.
Cleveland Cavaliers: .337 winning percentage since 2011 (Irving's rookie year), zero playoff appearances.
As Wall said himself after hearing Waiters' comment, "You gotta win a playoff game first before you can talk. You gotta be a starter first."
Overall, Washington's backcourt does more facilitating and plays significantly better defense than Cleveland's. While Irving may shine individually, his talent has yet to guide the Cavs to a winning season. Wall and Beal, however, will be looking to build on last season's 44-38 record and appearance in the Eastern Conference Semifinals.
Winner: Washington Wizards
