NBA: Biggest storyline for each team heading into the second half of 2017-18

BOSTON, MA - JANUARY 3: LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers looks on during he first quarter against the Boston Celtics at TD Garden on January 3, 2018 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA - JANUARY 3: LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers looks on during he first quarter against the Boston Celtics at TD Garden on January 3, 2018 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
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PHOENIX, AZ – DECEMBER 13: Jonas Valanciunas #17 of the Toronto Raptors reacts during the second half of the NBA game against the Phoenix Suns at Talking Stick Resort Arena on December 13, 2017 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Raptors defeated the Suns 115-109. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
PHOENIX, AZ – DECEMBER 13: Jonas Valanciunas #17 of the Toronto Raptors reacts during the second half of the NBA game against the Phoenix Suns at Talking Stick Resort Arena on December 13, 2017 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Raptors defeated the Suns 115-109. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

Toronto Raptors

Is finishing 3rd good enough? 

The Toronto Raptors have had relatively the same core for the last few years, and they continue to fall short of the Cleveland Cavaliers in the Eastern Conference. Now, they likely fall short of the Boston Celtics too.

Question is, is finishing 3rd in the East good enough for the franchise? If so, then continuing to roll down this path is a good idea. However, at a certain point, perhaps the front office should come to the conclusion that it simply isn’t good enough.

And that’s when the bold moves will come. Until then, though, they’ll continue to impress in the regular season and fall short in the playoffs.