well I don't think I named and placed wrong the file and yeah import the new dds and save the file.then copy and paste to the modded folder.I mean I didn't play 2k17 but I have played almost all other 2k games from 2k9 to 2k16 so far.and always same process is and it works in 2k series always.
for example what I do let say I wanna change bulls default jersey.I open explorer choose bulls find the home jersey.it's named _u003chi_current_home.iff then I extract the jersey_color.23dfda2bb5671fbd.dds from the iff file then whatever I want to change edit it then save as dxt1. and then open the explorer again import the new one . it's saved perfectly and appear on the left of the highligt screen of the show.iff editor section of the 2k explorer program.
so what is named each single iff and dds file it is I don't change the name. then I open 2k18 an open an exibition match choose bulls team choose bulls home jersey and game starts all I see invisible players and jersey.only players movements move the ball when I have the ball.
by the way I never change and replace directly the default iff file from edited one in the main game folder. generally, if I try to replace the default file 2kexplorer couldn't save it.so main 2k18 game folder is left without any changing because that's the way is. and that's why we use 2k18 modded folder program and put on it.maybe version of game maybe a minor detail .. don't know yet