Three years in a row the Toronto Raptors’ playoff hopes were extinguished by one of the best basketball players who’s ever lived. This past summer LeBron James left Cleveland for the second time in his career. The first time he went to create a super team in Miami. This time, it was to revive one of the most storied franchises in NBA history.
James’ departure left a void in the Eastern Conference. James had led eight straight teams to the NBA Finals. He collected three titles and three Finals MVP trophies. Entering the season it appeared to be a four-team race as to who would replace James as the East’s representative in the NBA Finals.