NBA Player Rankings 2017: The Definitive Guide to Basketball's Top Performers

As I sat down to compile the definitive NBA player rankings for 2017, I couldn't help but think about that legendary moment in boxing history when Ali defeated Frazier in their epic 1971 showdown. Just like Futch stopping the fight before the 15th round because Frazier's eyes were too swollen to continue, ranking NBA players requires recognizing when someone has given their absolute best and when they're simply running on empty. This year's rankings reflect players who consistently brought championship-level intensity without needing to be saved from themselves.

The 2017 season presented one of the most fascinating landscapes I've witnessed in my fifteen years covering professional basketball. Russell Westbrook's historic triple-double campaign absolutely demanded the top spot - averaging 31.6 points, 10.7 rebounds, and 10.4 assists per game while carrying the Oklahoma City Thunder to the playoffs after Kevin Durant's departure. What impressed me most wasn't just the numbers but the sheer willpower he displayed night after night. I've never seen a player so determined to prove he could single-handedly elevate his team, even when it meant playing 34.6 minutes per game with what seemed like reckless abandon.

James Harden's transformation under Mike D'Antoni's system secured him the second position, putting up 29.1 points and leading the league with 11.2 assists per game while guiding the Rockets to 55 wins. Watching Harden orchestrate that offense reminded me of a master conductor - he knew exactly when to attack, when to distribute, and when to take over games in crucial moments. Kawhi Leonard's two-way dominance earned him third place, though I'll admit I'm still frustrated we didn't get to see more of him in the playoffs after Zaza Pachulia's controversial closeout in the Western Conference Finals.

What struck me about this particular season was how clearly the hierarchy had shifted. LeBron James, while still phenomenal at 32 years old, found himself in fourth position despite averaging 26.4 points, 8.6 rebounds, and 8.7 assists. The Cavaliers' defensive struggles and his occasional coasting during the regular season couldn't be ignored, though anyone who watched the playoffs knows he remains the most complete basketball player on the planet when fully engaged.

The middle of my rankings featured some of the most compelling cases - Stephen Curry at fifth might surprise some given his reduced scoring to 25.3 points per game, but his efficiency and gravitational pull on defenses remained unparalleled. Anthony Davis at sixth put up monstrous numbers (28 points and 11.8 rebounds) on a Pelicans team that never quite figured out how to maximize his talents. Meanwhile, Giannis Antetokounmpo's leap to seventh position signaled the arrival of basketball's next global superstar, averaging 22.9 points while leading the Bucks in all five major statistical categories.

As I reflect on these rankings, what stands out is how much context matters. Kevin Durant's move to Golden State undoubtedly affected his individual standing - his 25.1 points per game represented his lowest average since his third season, yet his efficiency and defensive improvement made him perhaps the most complete scoring threat in the league. Similarly, Isaiah Thomas's heroic fourth-quarter performances and 28.9 points per game deserved recognition despite defensive limitations that became more apparent in the playoffs.

The truth about player rankings is that they capture a moment in time rather than establishing permanent hierarchies. Just as Frazier's team might have protested stopping the fight before the final round, fans could certainly debate these placements. But after watching all 82 games and studying the advanced metrics, I'm confident this list reflects who truly dominated the 2017 season. The beauty of basketball, much like that legendary fight, lies in these subjective judgments - where statistics meet storytelling, and where numbers alone can't capture the full drama of competition.