Five players set to break out this postseason

Giannis Antetokounmpo – SF, Milwaukee Bucks

Hurry up and claim your spot. Seriously, there isn’t much space left and you’re running out of time.

On Saturday, against the Toronto Raptors, Giannis Antetokounmpo will firmly entrench himself as a household name (well… first name at least).

The Greek Freak, Milwaukee’s near-seven-foot superstar, was a monster this season. Antetokounmpo became the first player in NBA history to finish the regular season in the top-20 of each of the five major statistical categories – points, rebounds, assists, steals and blocks. The Alphabet also led the Bucks in each category.

In his fourth season, Antetokounmpo’s scoring jumped six points a night (16.9 to 22.9), his assists and rebounds each rose, his usage soared from 22.3 percent to 28.2 and his efficiency actually improved. The scariest part? He’s not slowing down. Since April 1, Antetokounmpo has 19 points, 11 rebounds and seven assists a night with a +7 net rating.

In 2015, when Antetokounmpo made his playoff debut, the Bucks forced the Chicago Bulls to six games, but the Greek Freak struggled. He shot 37 percent from the floor and averaged just over 11 points a night.

This postseason figures to be different. Antetokounmpo’s jump from his third season to now has been about as big as the strides he takes when he snags a board and goes coast-to-coast in eight steps. Even though Milwaukee will be without Jabari Parker, the smooth-shooting forward lost to a torn ACL, the Bucks will be must-watch television simply because of Antetokounmpo.

Expect a major coming-out party. Maybe that’ll help people learn his name.