I still remember the 2017 NBA season like it was yesterday—the intensity, the rivalries, and the sheer talent on display made it one of the most memorable years in recent basketball history. As someone who has followed the league for over two decades, I’ve always been fascinated by how player rankings shift from year to year, reflecting not just individual brilliance but also team dynamics, momentum, and that intangible quality we call "clutch." When we talk about the top NBA players in 2017, it’s impossible to ignore the context: the Golden State Warriors were dominating, LeBron James was defying age, and young stars like Giannis Antetokounmpo were beginning their ascent. But what made 2017 particularly special was how physical and unpredictable the playoffs felt, a sentiment echoed by players themselves. I recall reading a quote from June Mar Fajardo, a dominant force in Philippine basketball, who once said, "Gusto namin matapos 'yung game para makapag-pahinga kami. Kapag humaba pa kasi 'yung series, magkaroon ng momentum. Hindi natin alam 'yung mangyayari diba?" That mindset—wanting to close out games to avoid giving opponents momentum—resonates deeply with how top NBA players approached that season. It wasn’t just about stats; it was about seizing control when it mattered most.
Let’s dive into the rankings, starting with the undisputed king of 2017: LeBron James. At 32 years old, LeBron averaged 26.4 points, 8.6 rebounds, and 8.7 assists per game while leading the Cleveland Cavaliers to their third straight Finals appearance. What stood out to me wasn’t just his numbers—though they were staggering—but his ability to elevate his game in critical moments. Remember Game 5 of the 2017 Finals? He dropped a triple-double with 41 points, 13 rebounds, and 8 assists, almost single-handedly keeping the Cavs in the series against the Warriors’ superteam. In my view, LeBron’s basketball IQ and physical dominance made him the clear number one, even if the MVP award that year went to Russell Westbrook, who averaged a historic 31.6 points, 10.7 rebounds, and 10.4 assists per game. Westbrook’s triple-double season was electrifying, no doubt, but I’ve always felt that his style, while spectacular, sometimes lacked the efficiency needed for top-tier playoff success. His usage rate of 41.7% was the highest in NBA history, which speaks volumes about his role but also highlights the Thunder’s reliance on him, a double-edged sword in tight series.
Then there was Kevin Durant, who seamlessly integrated into the Warriors’ system and put up 25.1 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 4.8 assists per game. Durant’s move to Golden State was controversial, but from a pure skill perspective, he was nearly unstoppable. His Finals MVP performance, where he averaged 35.2 points on 55.5% shooting, cemented his status as a top-three player. I’ll admit, I used to debate whether Stephen Curry—who averaged 25.3 points and 6.6 assists that year—was more impactful than Durant, but 2017 showed that Durant’s two-way versatility gave him the edge. Speaking of versatility, Kawhi Leonard was another standout, averaging 25.5 points and 5.8 rebounds while playing elite defense for the San Antonio Spurs. His injury in the Western Conference Finals was a heartbreaking moment; I remember thinking how different the playoffs might have been if he’d stayed healthy. Leonard’s quiet intensity reminded me of Fajardo’s comment about preparing for physical games: "Dapat paghandaan namin." That preparation defines great players, and Leonard embodied it.
James Harden also deserves a spot in the top five, with his 29.1 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 11.2 assists per game leading the Houston Rockets to 55 wins. Harden’s step-back three became a weapon of mass destruction, and his playmaking was sublime. However, his defensive lapses occasionally frustrated me—I’ve always believed that true greatness requires consistency on both ends of the floor. Meanwhile, Giannis Antetokounmpo broke into the elite circle, averaging 22.9 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 5.4 assists. At just 22 years old, his potential was sky-high, and watching him attack the rim felt like witnessing evolution in real time. If I had to pick a dark horse, it’d be Anthony Davis, who put up 28.0 points and 11.8 rebounds for the New Orleans Pelicans. His numbers were monstrous, but team success held him back—a reminder that rankings aren’t just about individual stats.
Looking back, what made 2017’s player rankings so compelling was the blend of established legends and rising stars, all navigating the physical and mental demands Fajardo alluded to. The playoffs were a war of attrition, and the top players had to balance aggression with endurance. As the season unfolded, I found myself drawn to narratives like Westbrook’s historic run or LeBron’s relentless pursuit of greatness. In the end, though, LeBron James stood atop the mountain, not just for his numbers, but for his ability to control the game’s tempo and momentum. It’s a lesson that extends beyond the NBA: in any competitive field, closing out opportunities early can define success. As Fajardo wisely noted, "Kung puwedeng i-panalo 'yung game sa Wednesday, try namin i-panalo." That’s the mindset of champions, and in 2017, the top players lived it every night.
