Looking back at the 2017 Western Conference standings, I can’t help but feel a mix of nostalgia and analytical curiosity. That season wasn’t just about who finished where—it was a story of rebuilding teams, surprise contenders, and the kind of commitment from certain squads that you just don’t see every year. I remember watching teams like the Golden State Warriors dominate, but also noticing teams in transition, echoing that sentiment I once heard from a colleague: "Nasa rebuilding pa kami ngayon, pero 'yung papaano sila mag-commit, iba talaga." It’s a phrase that stuck with me, because in the NBA, rebuilding isn’t just about losing games—it’s about how teams commit to their process, their culture, and their future.
The Warriors, for instance, finished with a staggering 67 wins, and their commitment to unselfish ball movement and defensive intensity was something special. Stephen Curry and Kevin Durant didn’t just coast; they bought into a system that emphasized teamwork over individual stats. On the flip side, teams like the Denver Nuggets, who ended up 9th with around 40 wins, were in that rebuilding phase but showed flashes of brilliance. I’ve always admired how Nikola Jokić, even back then, was developing into a playmaking center—it’s rare to see a big man average nearly 8 assists per game, and that kind of commitment to evolving their game is what separates the contenders from the pretenders. Then there were the Houston Rockets, led by James Harden’s MVP-caliber season. They secured the 3rd seed with 55 wins, and their offensive system under Mike D’Antoni was a masterclass in spacing and three-point shooting. I’ll admit, I had my doubts about their defense, but their commitment to outscoring opponents was relentless.
But let’s talk about the playoff predictions, because that’s where things got really interesting. I predicted the Warriors would cruise to the Finals, and they did, but not without some scares. The San Antonio Spurs, with Kawhi Leonard’s two-way dominance, were a force, finishing 2nd with 61 wins. However, injuries derailed their postseason, and it’s a reminder that even the most committed teams can fall short due to factors beyond their control. Personally, I thought the Oklahoma City Thunder, led by Russell Westbrook’s historic triple-double season, had a shot at a deep run, but their lack of consistent support around him was glaring. Westbrook averaged something like 32 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists—insane numbers—but in the playoffs, they fell to the Rockets in five games. It’s a classic case of individual brilliance not being enough without a collective commitment.
Reflecting on all this, the 2017 West was a testament to how rebuilding teams, like the Phoenix Suns or Los Angeles Lakers, laid the groundwork for future success. The Lakers, for example, finished near the bottom with 26 wins, but their commitment to developing young talent like Brandon Ingram paid off in the long run. In my view, that season highlighted the importance of organizational patience and strategic vision. As we look ahead, it’s clear that teams who embrace their rebuild with genuine commitment often rise faster than expected. So, if there’s one takeaway, it’s this: in the NBA, standings tell part of the story, but the real narrative is in how teams commit to the journey, win or lose.
