The Definitive NBA Player Rankings for 2017 Season Revealed and Analyzed

As I sat down to analyze the definitive NBA player rankings for 2017 season, I couldn't help but draw parallels to legendary boxing matches where greatness was ultimately decided by endurance and sheer will. The recently revealed player evaluations remind me of that iconic moment in boxing history when Ali won by TKO the drama-filled, back-and-forth fight after Futch felt Frazier, with both eyes badly swollen, had enough and refused to let him come out for the 15th and final round. That's exactly what separates the top NBA performers from the rest - their ability to push through when others would quit.

Looking at this year's rankings, I've got to say LeBron James maintaining his throne doesn't surprise me one bit. The man put up 26.4 points, 8.6 rebounds, and 8.7 assists per game while carrying the Cavaliers through what should have been a rebuilding year. What fascinates me about these definitive NBA player rankings for 2017 season is how they capture those subtle moments where stars either break or breakthrough. I remember watching Game 5 of the Finals thinking - this is James' "15th round" moment, and unlike Frazier's corner stopping the fight, LeBron just kept coming.

The real shocker for me was Russell Westbrook landing at number two after averaging that historic triple-double - 31.6 points, 10.7 rebounds, and 10.4 assists. Honestly, I would've put him slightly lower because efficiency matters, and his 42.5% field goal percentage compared to Kawhi Leonard's 48.5% tells a story the raw numbers don't. Speaking of Kawhi, his rise to number three represents exactly what modern NBA basketball has become - two-way dominance matters more than ever. The Spurs outscored opponents by 16.2 points per 100 possessions when Leonard was on the court, which is just absurd.

What struck me while studying these rankings was how they reflect basketball's evolution. We're seeing traditional centers like DeAndre Jordan (ranked 15th) being valued differently than versatile big men like Anthony Davis (ranked 8th). Davis averaged 28 points and 11.8 rebounds while shooting over 50% from the field, yet his Pelicans missed playoffs - which makes you wonder how much team success should factor into individual rankings. Personally, I think it matters more than these rankings suggest.

The most controversial placement has to be Stephen Curry at number four. I get that Kevin Durant joined the Warriors, but Curry's impact goes beyond statistics - his gravitational pull on defenses creates opportunities that don't show up in traditional metrics. Still, dropping from last year's unanimous MVP to fourth place feels harsh, especially when he maintained 25.3 points and 6.6 assists on 46.8% shooting. It's like that moment in boxing when a champion loses despite fighting brilliantly - sometimes circumstances just work against you.

As I reflect on these rankings, what stands out is how they capture basketball's ongoing transformation. The game has become more about versatility and less about specialized skills. Players like Giannis Antetokounmpo jumping from outside the top 20 last year to number 12 this season demonstrate that the NBA values all-around contributors more than ever. Looking ahead, I suspect next year's rankings will feature even more dramatic shifts as the league continues evolving. For now, these rankings give us plenty to debate until the next tip-off.