Sir Charles in Charge
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2018 NBA Playoffs Roundtable: Embiid vs. Whiteside; Raptors vs. history

By Michael Saenz

CHARLOTTE, NC - MARCH 06: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers reacts after a play against the Charlotte Hornets during their game at Spectrum Center on March 6, 2018 in Charlotte, North Carolina. 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 Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)
CHARLOTTE, NC - MARCH 06: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers reacts after a play against the Charlotte Hornets during their game at Spectrum Center on March 6, 2018 in Charlotte, North Carolina. 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 Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) /
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The second best player in the East playoff bracket this year will be?

Flynn: LeBron James. James is the obvious best player in the East, but his road to get through the Eastern bracket will be tougher than another guy I have in mind. Giannis Antetokounmpo will be the best player in the Eastern playoffs.

He starts off his first series against the injured Boston Celtics, which will most likely be a crazy stat series for him, and I’m assuming a five game series with Milwaukee pulling away, 4-1.

Patel: Giannis Antetokounmpo. Behind LeBron, he is clearly the current second best player in the East, and he will prove it without a doubt this postseason. The Bucks got a very favorable matchup against a depleted Celtics team, although with Brad Stevens at the helm, he is worth 2 wins on his own vs. the Bucks inept staff. Regardless of coaching, this is the Greek Freak’s LeBron 2007 moment.

He has a much better supporting cast than LeBron did – he’s surrounded by shooters, 6-foot-7+ guys who can switch 1-5 on defense, and the experience for a deep playoff run. I fully expect to him to put his franchise, team, and city on his back and lead them into the second round vs. Ben Simmons and the 76ers. On that note, the Greek Freaks reign as the heir to the King’s throne will be short lived, this time next year we will be talking about Simmons as the second best and soon to be best player in the world – taking the crown from his future teammate Mr. LeBron James.

Osborne: Giannis Antetokounmpo. It doesn’€™t matter how long the Bucks are in the playoffs, the best player in the East not named LeBron James is Giannis Antetokounmpo. He should put up great numbers against a depleted Celtics team. Giannis averaged 33.5 PPG, 10.75 RPG, 5 APG in four games vs the Celtics this season.

Early: Greek Freak is another booby trap so I’m going with Ben Simmons. The rookie point forward leads his guys to the conference finals where they’ll lose in 6 or 7. It will be a powerful statement that tanking works mostly because the NBA draft works. It’s a lot harder to predict markets or earth quakes than ridiculous NBA players.

Ben Simmons is already ridiculous. The first half vs. Cleveland last week, for the 3 seed, he had them looking like the 2014 Phil Antonio 7Spurxers…beautiful passing and an endless array of international guys splashing 3’s.

McFee: There are so many viable options to answer this question with, but I’m going to go with Victor Oladipo. This does not mean that I think the Pacers are coming out of the East, but I do think the Pacers make some noise. Oladipo should win MIP in a landslide with his 7.2 point per game average increase. Being the NBA’s leader in total steals (177) and average (2.4 swipes a game) is nothing to sniff at either. Here’s to you Victor.