Hoops Habit
Fansided

The Biggest X-Factor On Every NBA Playoff Team

By Gerald Bourguet

Dec 4, 2014; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors center Andrew Bogut (12) drives in between New Orleans Pelicans forward Tyreke Evans (1) and forward Anthony Davis (23) during the second quarter at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 4, 2014; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors center Andrew Bogut (12) drives in between New Orleans Pelicans forward Tyreke Evans (1) and forward Anthony Davis (23) during the second quarter at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 1, 2015; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) drives for the basket around Chicago Bulls forward Nikola Mirotic (44) during the third quarter at BMO Harris Bradley Center. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports /

Milwaukee Bucks: Giannis Antetokounmpo

Khris Middleton is probably the best player on the Bucks post-Brandon Knight. Michael Carter-Williams is the one running the show as (hopefully) Jason Kidd‘s heir successor. But for the Bucks to land a knockout punch on the banged up Chicago Bulls, they need a consistent Giannis Antetokounmpo.

All season long, the Greek Freak has fluctuated between disappearing at times and making unbelievable plays showcasing his potential at others. Will this 20-year-old wilt under the pressure of the spotlight? Or will he be the player we all want him to be, the one who starts to realize his vast potential at the exact right moment in the postseason?

Antetokounmpo is basically like the poor man’s version of Anthony Davis in the first round: we’re all just waiting around with our buckets of popcorn, hoping to witness his arrival.

The Greek Freak is averaging 12.7 points and 6.7 rebounds per game on nearly 50 percent shooting this season. He’s a lengthy defender with breathtaking athleticism and an unbelievably high ceiling. For Milwaukee to pull of the upset against their Central Division rivals, the Bucks will be hoping he takes his first step toward that ceiling.

Next: San Antonio Spurs