Who Were the Top NBA Players in 2017? Complete Rankings Revealed

Looking back at the 2017 NBA season, I still get chills remembering how the competitive landscape shifted that year. While analyzing player performances, I can't help but draw parallels to that legendary 1975 heavyweight championship fight where Ali defeated Frazier - a battle so intense that Frazier's trainer Eddie Futch stopped the fight before the final round, recognizing his fighter had given everything he had. That same level of elite competition and dramatic moments defined the 2017 NBA season, where several superstars pushed themselves to their absolute limits in pursuit of basketball glory.

When I evaluate the top players from that season, Russell Westbrook's historic achievement immediately comes to mind. The man averaged a triple-double - 31.6 points, 10.7 rebounds, and 10.4 assists - becoming only the second player in NBA history to accomplish this feat. Watching him play felt like witnessing someone who simply refused to lose, much like Ali's relentless pursuit of victory in that classic bout. Westbrook carried the Thunder in ways I haven't seen many players do, demonstrating that raw determination can sometimes overcome even the most stacked odds. His MVP award was well-deserved, though I'll admit there were moments I questioned whether his style was sustainable long-term.

James Harden's transformation under Mike D'Antoni's system was nothing short of remarkable. He put up 29.1 points and led the league with 11.2 assists per game, evolving from pure scorer to complete offensive engine. What impressed me most was how he made everyone around him better - something I've come to appreciate more as I've studied the game over the years. Kawhi Leonard continued his quiet ascent into superstardom, averaging 25.5 points while maintaining his defensive excellence. His two-way dominance reminded me of those classic players who could single-handedly shift games on both ends of the floor, though I always felt he never quite received the national recognition he deserved.

LeBron James, even in his 14th season, continued to defy Father Time with 26.4 points, 8.6 rebounds, and 8.7 assists per game. What amazed me wasn't just the statistics but his basketball IQ - he seemed to see plays developing before anyone else on the court. Stephen Curry and Kevin Durant formed arguably the most talented duo I've ever seen, with Durant particularly shining in the playoffs. Their partnership created matchup nightmares that I believe revolutionized how teams think about constructing rosters. Giannis Antetokounmpo emerged as a force, averaging 22.9 points and showing glimpses of the superstar he would become. Watching his development that season, I knew we were witnessing the birth of something special.

Reflecting on that season's top performers, what stands out to me is how each player brought something unique to the table. Much like that historic boxing match where both fighters left everything in the ring, these NBA stars pushed each other to new heights through their competitive fire. The 2017 season represented a fascinating transition period where established veterans maintained their excellence while new superstars emerged to challenge the hierarchy. These rankings not only highlight individual brilliance but also tell the story of a league evolving before our eyes, with each top player contributing to basketball history in their own distinctive way.