Nothin' But Nets
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NBA Preseason: Ranking the Top 10 players in 2016-2017

By Tyler Dencker

Mar 29, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Brooklyn Nets center Brook Lopez (11) drives to the basket as Orlando Magic forward Jason Smith (14) defends during the first quarter at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 29, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Brooklyn Nets center Brook Lopez (11) drives to the basket as Orlando Magic forward Jason Smith (14) defends during the first quarter at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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  1. Stephen Curry, PG, Golden State Warriors
Jun 19, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) brings the ball up court during the third quarter against the Cleveland Cavaliers in game seven of the NBA Finals at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 19, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) brings the ball up court during the third quarter against the Cleveland Cavaliers in game seven of the NBA Finals at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports /

The back-to-back MVP has put together two consecutive extraordinary seasons and is primed for a third, but his failure to win the NBA Finals after being up 3-1 has him settling for number two on this list. 

It goes without saying that Curry is the player closest to chasing LeBron for the title of “best player in the NBA.” In 2015, Curry was the ringleader of the best regular season team ever, as he led the Warriors to an NBA-record 73-9 record. Over the course of the season (playoffs included), Curry was the most efficient player in the NBA (hoopstats.com).

In addition to earning the best regular season record ever, Curry won the scoring title, hit an NBA-record 402 three-pointers, won the MVP award for the second year in a row, and became the 7th player in NBA history to join the prestigious 40-50-90 club (when a player finishes a season averaging at least 40% from three-point, 50% from the field, and 90% from the free-throw line).

If Curry had won the title, an argument could be made for him being the best player in the NBA. However, since they did not win it all, a familiar face grabs the top spot yet again.

Next: Number One