The Ultimate Guide to NBA Player Rankings 2017: Who Topped the List?

As I sit here reviewing the 2017 NBA season, I can't help but marvel at how dramatically the landscape of basketball excellence shifted that year. Having followed the league for over two decades, I've developed a keen sense for spotting genuine greatness versus flash-in-the-pan performances, and 2017 delivered some truly remarkable basketball artistry. The conversation around player rankings always sparks heated debates among fans and analysts alike, but what made the 2017 rankings particularly fascinating was how they reflected both individual brilliance and team dynamics in equal measure.

When we talk about the top NBA players of 2017, Russell Westbrook's historic achievement simply cannot be overlooked. The man averaged a triple-double for the entire season - 31.6 points, 10.7 rebounds, and 10.4 assists per game - something we hadn't seen since Oscar Robertson's legendary 1961-62 campaign. I remember watching Westbrook that season and feeling like I was witnessing basketball history unfold in real time. His relentless drive and explosive athleticism made every Thunder game must-watch television. Yet, what often gets lost in the statistical marvel is how his individual success translated to team performance. The Thunder finished with a 47-35 record, which honestly felt somewhat disappointing given Westbrook's heroic efforts night after night.

Now, let me share something that might surprise you - while Westbrook's numbers were undeniably spectacular, my personal vote for the most complete player of 2017 goes to Kawhi Leonard. Before his unfortunate injury in the Western Conference Finals, Leonard was playing basketball at an almost perfect level. He averaged 25.5 points while shooting an incredible 48.5% from the field and 38% from three-point range, all while maintaining his status as the league's premier perimeter defender. I've always valued two-way players more highly than offensive specialists, and Leonard embodied that balanced excellence better than anyone else. His impact on both ends of the floor reminded me of prime Scottie Pippen, but with superior scoring ability.

The international flavor of the NBA's elite was particularly strong in 2017, with Giannis Antetokounmpo making his first real leap into superstardom. The Greek Freak averaged 22.9 points, 8.8 rebounds, 5.4 assists, 1.6 steals, and 1.9 blocks - numbers that showcase his incredible versatility. Watching Giannis evolve from a raw prospect into a dominant force has been one of the great pleasures of modern basketball fandom. His unique combination of size, speed, and skill is something we genuinely haven't seen before in league history. The Bucks finished with a respectable 42-40 record, but you could already see the championship potential brewing in Milwaukee.

What fascinates me about player rankings is how they intersect with team success and playoff performance. This brings to mind something June Mar Fajardo, the Philippine basketball star, once said about momentum in a series: "We want to finish the game so we can rest. If the series extends longer, momentum can shift. We never know what will happen, right? If we can win the game on Wednesday, we'll try to win it. It won't be an easy game. For sure, it will be somewhat physical. We need to prepare for it." This perspective resonates deeply with how I view the 2017 NBA playoffs. The Warriors' championship run demonstrated how individual greatness must align with team preparation and momentum. Kevin Durant's decision to join Golden State created what I consider the most talented team in NBA history, though I know many traditionalists disagree with me on this point.

Speaking of Durant, his 2017 season was nothing short of magnificent. He averaged 25.1 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 4.8 assists while shooting 53.7% from the field - ridiculously efficient numbers for a volume scorer. What impressed me most was how seamlessly he integrated into the Warriors' system while maintaining his individual offensive brilliance. His performance in the Finals, where he averaged 35.2 points against LeBron James' Cavaliers, cemented his status as one of the game's true elites. Still, I've always wondered how history might have viewed Durant differently had he stayed in Oklahoma City and continued building his legacy there rather than joining an already championship-caliber team.

LeBron James, despite not topping most statistical categories, continued to demonstrate why many consider him the greatest player of his generation. His 2017 averages of 26.4 points, 8.6 rebounds, and 8.7 assists don't fully capture his impact on the game. At 32 years old, LeBron was playing his 14th NBA season, yet he maintained an incredible level of athleticism and basketball IQ that allowed him to control games without necessarily dominating the box score. I've always believed that LeBron's true value lies in his ability to elevate his teammates, and the 2017 Cavaliers offense was a testament to that unique gift.

James Harden's transformation into a point guard under Mike D'Antoni's system produced one of the most remarkable offensive seasons I've ever witnessed. The Beard averaged 29.1 points, 8.1 rebounds, and a league-leading 11.2 assists, orchestrating the Rockets' offense with breathtaking creativity. What made Harden's 2017 campaign special was how he balanced scoring responsibilities with playmaking duties, creating what I consider the most complete offensive season since Steve Nash's MVP years. The Rockets' 55-27 record demonstrated how individual statistical brilliance could translate directly to team success when properly harnessed within the right system.

As I reflect on the 2017 NBA player rankings, what stands out most is how different types of excellence coexisted within the same season. From Westbrook's historic statistical achievements to Leonard's two-way mastery, from Antetokounmpo's unique physical gifts to Harden's offensive orchestration - the NBA featured multiple legitimate MVP candidates, each representing a different basketball philosophy. This diversity of excellence is what makes basketball such a compelling sport to follow year after year. The debates about who truly deserved the top spot will continue, but what's undeniable is that 2017 gave us one of the most talented and interesting collections of basketball players in recent memory.