Let's add the Washington Wizards to the list of "historic rivalries" next to LeBron James, LA Lakers, Philadelphia 76ers, Detroit Pistons, and New York Knicks.
I'd rather not. The Lakers, Sixers and Knicks are true rivals, built up over years of head-to-head play. And, frankly, for many of the teams you listed, I have a grudging respect.
The Wizards are a bunch of punks who think that they can gain relevance in the world by going after a real team. Truthfully, the best comparison that I can think of is when the WWE tries to build up a villain by having them attack a well-loved babyface.
They may have p---ed us off this year with their antics, but soon, we'll go back to being the Celtics and just not caring about them, while they dream of a world where anyone cares enough about them to consider them a real rival.
We may win this series. They may win this series. But I guarantee you one thing: Five years from now, we'll still be the Celtics and they'll be "that basketball team from Washington."
Mike