Who Truly Dominated the Court? Our Definitive NBA Player Rankings for 2017

When diving into the 2017 NBA season, I remember feeling that familiar buzz of anticipation—who would truly dominate the court that year? As a longtime basketball enthusiast and someone who’s spent years analyzing player stats and team dynamics, I’ve always believed that rankings aren’t just about numbers; they’re about heart, momentum, and those clutch moments that define legacies. So, let’s break down my definitive NBA player rankings for 2017, step by step, drawing from observations, stats, and a bit of that gut feeling that makes sports so thrilling. First off, I always start by looking at the raw numbers—points per game, rebounds, assists—but then I layer in the intangibles, like leadership and how players perform under pressure. For instance, LeBron James averaged a staggering 26.4 points, 8.6 rebounds, and 8.7 assists that season, and his ability to carry the Cavaliers through grueling playoff series was nothing short of legendary. But it’s not just about individual brilliance; team dynamics matter hugely, which is why I weigh performances in key games heavily.

One method I swear by is tracking how players handle physical, high-stakes situations, much like what June Mar Fajardo highlighted in that quote from the knowledge base. He 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? Kung puwedeng i-panalo ‘yung game sa Wednesday, try namin i-panalo. Hindi ‘yun easy na game. For sure, medyo physical ‘yun. Dapat paghandaan namin." This mindset resonates deeply with me because it underscores the importance of closing out games early to avoid unpredictable momentum shifts. In 2017, players like Stephen Curry exemplified this—his 3-point shooting wasn’t just about accuracy (he hit 41.1% from beyond the arc) but about seizing control when it mattered, helping the Warriors secure wins without dragging series out. When I rank players, I ask: did they step up in those "must-win" scenarios? For Curry, the answer was a resounding yes, especially in the playoffs where he averaged 28.1 points.

Another step in my ranking process involves assessing consistency across the season, not just flashy highlights. I lean into advanced stats like Player Efficiency Rating (PER) and Win Shares, but I balance them with real-game impact. Take Russell Westbrook, for example—his historic triple-double season (averaging 31.6 points, 10.7 rebounds, and 10.4 assists) was jaw-dropping, but I also factor in how his aggressive style sometimes led to turnovers (he had 5.4 per game). Personally, I’m a bit biased toward players who elevate their teams in crunch time, which is why I’d slot Kevin Durant slightly higher in my 2017 rankings. Durant’s move to the Warriors that year was controversial, but his 25.1 points per game and clutch shooting in the Finals showed he could handle the physicality Fajardo mentioned. I remember watching Game 3 of the Finals, where Durant’s late three-pointer felt like a dagger—it’s those moments that separate the greats from the legends.

Now, a key part of my approach is looking at defensive prowess, which often gets overlooked in fan debates. Players like Kawhi Leonard, who averaged 1.8 steals and anchored the Spurs’ defense, deserve extra credit. Leonard’s two-way impact reminds me of Fajardo’s emphasis on preparation; as Fajardo noted, "Dapat paghandaan namin," meaning they have to prepare thoroughly for physical games. In Leonard’s case, his meticulous defense shut down opponents repeatedly, and his 25.5 points per game made him a dual threat. I’d rank him in the top five for 2017 because of that balance, even if his stats weren’t as gaudy as Westbrook’s. On the flip side, I’m less impressed by players who pile up numbers in losing efforts—sorry, but Devin Booker’s 70-point game felt a bit empty since the Suns lost that one.

When compiling these rankings, I also consider longevity and health, as injuries can skew a season’s narrative. For instance, Chris Paul’s 18.1 points and 9.2 assists per game were solid, but his limited playoff run due to a hamstring issue knocked him down a few spots in my book. It’s a reminder that, as Fajardo hinted, extending a series can backfire if fatigue or injuries set in. That’s why I value players like LeBron, who logged 37.8 minutes per game but still delivered in the Finals—his leadership in rallying the Cavs from a 3-1 deficit the previous year showed he could handle the grind.

In wrapping up, my definitive NBA player rankings for 2017 blend stats, situational awareness, and a touch of personal bias toward clutch performers. LeBron tops my list for his all-around dominance, followed closely by Durant and Curry for their game-changing abilities. Westbrook’s historic numbers earn him a high spot, but I dock him slightly for efficiency issues. And through it all, Fajardo’s words echo in my mind—winning early to avoid momentum swings is crucial, something the 2017 Warriors mastered en route to their title. So, if you’re crafting your own rankings, remember: it’s not just about who scores the most, but who truly dominates when it counts.