NBA Player Rankings 2017: The Definitive Guide to Top Basketball Stars
As I sit down to compile this definitive guide to the 2017 NBA player rankings, I can't help but reflect on what made that particular season so memorable. Having followed basketball for over fifteen years, I've witnessed numerous eras, but 2017 stood out because of the incredible convergence of established legends and emerging superstars. The league was transitioning, with veteran players maintaining their dominance while a new generation began knocking on the door of greatness. What fascinates me most about ranking players is how it captures a specific moment in basketball history, freezing time to evaluate performances that would soon become part of NBA lore.
When June Fajardo, a prominent basketball figure, remarked about wanting to finish games quickly to avoid extended series momentum swings, he perfectly captured the mindset of elite competitors. His words resonate deeply with me because they highlight the psychological warfare that happens alongside the physical battles on court. "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. That won't be an easy game. For sure, it will be somewhat physical. We need to prepare," Fajardo stated. This mentality separates the truly great players from the merely good ones – that understanding that every game matters, that momentum is tangible, and that preparation determines outcomes. In my analysis of 2017's top players, I've weighted this championship mentality heavily because technical skills alone don't define greatness.
LeBron James undoubtedly topped my 2017 rankings, and frankly, I don't think it was particularly close. At 32 years old, he put together one of the most remarkable statistical seasons I've ever witnessed – averaging 26.4 points, 8.6 rebounds, and 8.7 assists while shooting 54.8% from the field. Beyond the numbers, what impressed me most was his basketball IQ and how he elevated his Cleveland teammates. I remember watching him dismantle opponents with what seemed like minimal effort, controlling games without necessarily dominating the ball. His performance in the 2017 Finals, where he averaged a triple-double against arguably the greatest collection of talent ever assembled in Golden State, cemented his status as the planet's best basketball player. Some might argue for Kevin Durant after his Finals MVP performance, but to me, LeBron's overall impact throughout the entire season gave him the edge.
Speaking of Kevin Durant, he certainly made his case for the top spot after joining the Warriors and capturing his first championship. His efficiency numbers were absurd – 53.7% from the field, 37.5% from three-point range, and 87.5% from the free-throw line while averaging 25.1 points. What struck me about Durant's 2017 season was how seamlessly he integrated into Golden State's system while maintaining his scoring dominance. I've always believed that the true test of a superstar is how they perform when expectations are highest, and Durant delivered under that pressure. Still, moving teams cost him some continuity points in my rankings, placing him just behind LeBron.
The debate for third position was where things got really interesting for me. Kawhi Leonard, James Harden, and Russell Westbrook all had legitimate claims, but I ultimately gave the nod to Westbrook because of his historic achievement averaging a triple-double for the season. I know some analysts criticize his efficiency and high usage rate, but watching him night after night, I was convinced we were witnessing something special. His 42 triple-doubles broke Oscar Robertson's single-season record, and his 31.6 points per game led the league. The raw determination he displayed, that refusal to lose games single-handedly, reminded me of vintage Michael Jordan moments I'd seen in archival footage.
James Harden's transformation into a point guard under Mike D'Antoni was nothing short of revolutionary. His 29.1 points and league-leading 11.2 assists per game demonstrated his complete offensive mastery. I've always been partial to players who redefine positions, and Harden did exactly that in 2017. Meanwhile, Kawhi Leonard continued his ascent into superstardom with another Defensive Player of Year-caliber season while increasing his scoring output to 25.5 points per game. His two-way impact was tremendous, though I felt he lacked the narrative momentum of Westbrook's historic season or Harden's positional revolution.
What made 2017 particularly fascinating was the emergence of the next generation. Giannis Antetokounmpo made his first All-Star appearance and showed flashes of the all-around dominance that would define his future. At just 22 years old, he averaged 22.9 points, 8.8 rebounds, 5.4 assists, 1.6 steals, and 1.9 blocks – numbers that put him in rarefied air historically. I remember watching him in person that season and being struck by how his physical tools translated into every aspect of the game. Similarly, Anthony Davis continued his development into arguably the game's most complete big man, though injuries limited him to just 75 games.
The veteran presence of players like Stephen Curry, Chris Paul, and Anthony Davis rounded out my top ten. Curry's impact extended beyond his statistics – though 25.3 points and 6.6 assists were certainly impressive – because of the defensive attention he commanded. Having studied basketball analytics for years, I can confidently say that Curry's gravity effect, where he pulls defenders far beyond the three-point line, created more offensive value than traditional statistics could capture. Chris Paul, meanwhile, continued to demonstrate why he remained the game's premier floor general, leading the Clippers to another 50-win season with his trademark efficiency and basketball intelligence.
Looking back at the 2017 NBA landscape, what stands out to me is how perfectly it captured basketball in transition. The established order was being challenged by statistical revolutions and emerging talents, creating a dynamic tension that made every game compelling. The physicality that Fajardo referenced in his quote manifested throughout the season, particularly in playoff series where the intensity reached another level entirely. My rankings certainly reflect personal biases – I've always valued all-around contribution over specialized excellence, and leadership qualities over raw statistics. Others might prioritize different attributes, but having watched over 200 games that season, I'm confident this list represents the true hierarchy of basketball talent during one of the most competitive eras in NBA history. The conversations and debates these rankings inspire are what make basketball fandom so rewarding, and 2017 provided no shortage of compelling cases across the entire spectrum of player evaluation.
