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NBA Power Rankings: Top 20 Players Heading Into 2017

By Maxwell Ogden

Dec 25, 2016; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) reacts after a play against theMinnesota Timberwolves during the second quarter at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 25, 2016; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) reacts after a play against theMinnesota Timberwolves during the second quarter at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports /
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With 2017 arriving, we reflect upon what was the 2016 portion of the 2016-17 NBA regular season. Who are the Top 20 players entering the New Year?

Dec 27, 2016; Miami, FL, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) warms up prior to the game against the Miami Heat at American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 27, 2016; Miami, FL, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) warms up prior to the game against the Miami Heat at American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports /

In the eyes of the casual fan, the 2016-17 NBA regular season has officially begun. Christmas Day has passed, meaning the big games are beginning to be played and the postseason picture is taking shape.

Though diehard fans have been watching since Day 1, if one were to embrace this theory, it would entail that the race for MVP has officially begun, as well.

All 30 NBA teams have played at least 30 games, which inevitably leads to outings that follow increasing in importance. For that reason, the stars of the Association will be facing even more pressure than they already have through two full calendar months.

Some players will respond like the stars they are, while others will crumble under the pressure of having to shine when it matters—and this list will determine who is who.

A number of deserving players failed to make the cut, including Draymond Green, Gordon Hayward, Al Horford, Kevin Love, and Klay Thompson. All four players have been sensational in 2016-17, but they narrowly miss the Top 20 going into 2017.

With four of the league’s brightest stars excluded, the obvious question is presented: who are the Top 20 players in the NBA?