For the first time in a number of years both New York based NBA teams are set to be competitive in the Eastern Conference next season, and already the trash-talking has begun. At his introductory press conference earlier today, new Brooklyn aquisition Joe Johnson told media that he felt the Nets were already the best team in the city.

"The Nets. Definitely, the Nets," Johnson responded Friday at a news conference at Brooklyn Borough Hall, kicking off what should be a riveting "East River Rivalry" between the Nets and the New York Knicks." 

Johnson feels that his signing, along with keeping Deron Williams and Gerald Wallace, the Nets have built a solid foundation to win more games than they lose and GM Billy King agrees, going so far as to name Johnson and Williams as the best backcourt in the NBA. Even better than the Lakers new tandem.

"They're good. But I think ours is better," King replied. "If you asked (Lakers GM) Mitch (Kupchak), he'd probably say his is better. It's like a North Carolina-Duke thing. This is a great day, because it's a day when we put together the best backcourt in the NBA."

There is a certain triumverate across the river in Manhattan that will certainly have something to say about that. One thing's for sure, the Nets/Knicks games will be must-see television next season.