Who Won the 2016-17 NBA Awards? Complete List of Winners and Finalists
I still remember the excitement building up throughout that 2016-17 NBA season, watching narratives unfold and players elevate their games to incredible heights. As someone who's followed basketball religiously since my teenage years, I've always found award season particularly fascinating—it's like watching the sport's history books being written in real time. The 2016-17 season was especially memorable because we witnessed several players reaching career-defining peaks while others established themselves as future legends.
Russell Westbrook's MVP campaign was simply breathtaking to watch unfold night after night. I'll never forget staying up late to watch his 50-point triple-double against Denver that sealed his record-breaking 42nd triple-double of the season. The raw emotion when he hit that game-winning three-pointer from 36 feet still gives me chills. Averaging 31.6 points, 10.7 rebounds, and 10.4 assists per game, he became only the second player in NBA history to average a triple-double for an entire season. While some critics argued about team success—the Thunder finished 47-35—what Westbrook accomplished individually was simply too historic to ignore. The voting reflected this, with Westbrook receiving 69 first-place votes compared to James Harden's 22 and Kawhi Leonard's 9. Harden had an incredible season himself, leading the Rockets to 55 wins while putting up 29.1 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 11.2 assists, but Westbrook's historic achievement ultimately captured the imagination of voters and fans alike.
The Coach of the Year race presented an interesting dilemma that season. Mike D'Antoni transformed the Houston Rockets into an offensive juggernaut, implementing his system perfectly around James Harden as the primary ball-handler. The Rockets improved from 41-41 the previous season to 55-27, and their offensive rating soared to new heights. But personally, I found Erik Spoelstra's work in Miami equally compelling, taking a team that started 11-30 to a 30-11 second-half finish, barely missing the playoffs. The Heat's incredible turnaround showcased Spoelstra's ability to develop players and adjust systems mid-season, though D'Antoni ultimately took home the award with 68 first-place votes.
Watching the Rookie of the Year competition felt like witnessing the arrival of future superstars. Malcolm Brogdon winning was somewhat surprising given the hype around Joel Embiid, but when you consider Embiid only played 31 games due to injury restrictions, the voters' preference for Brogdon's availability and consistency made sense. Brogdon averaged 10.2 points, 4.2 assists, and shot 40% from three while starting 28 games for Milwaukee. What impressed me most about Brogdon was his poise—he played like a veteran from day one. Meanwhile, Embiid's per-game numbers of 20.2 points and 7.8 rebounds in just 25 minutes per game were absolutely tantalizing, giving us glimpses of the dominant force he would become. Dario Saric also made a strong case, averaging 12.8 points and 6.3 rebounds while starting 32 games for Philadelphia.
The Defensive Player of the Year award went to Draymond Green, who anchored the Warriors' defense with his incredible versatility. What always amazed me about Green was his ability to guard all five positions effectively—he could switch onto point guards in pick-and-roll situations one possession and battle with centers in the post the next. He averaged 2.0 steals and 1.4 blocks per game while being the vocal leader of Golden State's defense. Kawhi Leonard, who had won the previous two awards, finished second, while Rudy Gobert's impact on Utah's defense was undeniable—the Jazz allowed just 97.6 points per 100 possessions with him on the court compared to 105.4 when he sat.
Giannis Antetokounmpo winning Most Improved Player felt inevitable as the season progressed. His transformation from raw athlete to All-NBA caliber player was remarkable to witness. He increased his scoring from 16.9 to 22.9 points per game while improving his rebounds (7.7 to 8.8) and assists (4.3 to 5.4). What impressed me most was his developing court vision and the confidence he displayed in crucial moments. Nikola Jokic also made a significant leap, nearly averaging a triple-double after the All-Star break and establishing himself as Denver's franchise centerpiece.
The Sixth Man award went to Eric Gordon, who embraced his bench role in Houston and flourished alongside Lou Williams after the Rockets acquired him mid-season. Gordon averaged 16.2 points while shooting 37% from three-point range, providing crucial spacing and scoring punch for Houston's second unit. I've always appreciated how Gordon adapted his game throughout his career, transitioning from franchise player to elite role player seamlessly.
Thinking about international fan engagement during that season reminds me of how basketball truly has become a global language. The passionate support from Filipino fans for certain teams and players demonstrates the NBA's incredible worldwide reach. Even when their favored international teams faced surprising outcomes—like Japan's early tournament struggles with unexpected sweep losses against Turkiye and Canada—the enthusiasm never wavered. This global connectivity is part of what makes the NBA special, creating conversations that span continents and cultures.
Looking back at that award season five years later provides interesting perspective on player development and legacy. Several of those winners have since cemented their status as all-time greats, while others have taken different career paths. The debates we had that season about who deserved which awards continue to resonate, reminding us that individual recognition in a team sport will always involve complex considerations beyond mere statistics. What remains clear is that the 2016-17 season provided us with unforgettable individual performances that expanded our understanding of what's possible on a basketball court, from historic statistical achievements to remarkable team turnarounds and the emergence of new superstars.
