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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WALTHAM, MA – SEPTEMBER 26: General manager Danny Ainge of the Boston Celtics speaks with the media during Boston Celtics Media Day on September 26, 2016 in Waltham, Massachusetts. (Photo by Tim Bradbury/Getty Images)
WALTHAM, MA – SEPTEMBER 26: General manager Danny Ainge of the Boston Celtics speaks with the media during Boston Celtics Media Day on September 26, 2016 in Waltham, Massachusetts. (Photo by Tim Bradbury/Getty Images)

Boston Celtics

How close are they really to winning an NBA Championship? 

The Boston Celtics have the brightest future in the NBA, and I don’t think many will argue with that assessment. However, the Celtics have to really figure out how close they really are to winning a championship.

That’s important because it will help them navigate the offseason. If the Celtics beat the Cleveland Cavaliers in the Eastern Conference Finals, but lose to the Golden State Warriors in the NBA Finals, perhaps they conclude that they’re close enough to swing for the fences in the trade market.

They could then offer a few of their young pieces, coupled with their draft assets for a player like Anthony Davis or DeMarcus Cousins. However, if they don’t feel they’re close, then they’ll continue to play the wait and see game.