Jokic
PG13
Giannis
Harden
Curry
That is mine as well. While I think Embiid is better than Jokic, Jokic has played 10 more games and has a more complete offensive game so I went with him. I really can't see how the forwards and guards aren't Giannis, George, Harden, and Curry. I mean it isn't close at all in my mind. I'm amazed Leonard has so many votes given how many games he has missed and the simple fact that he has worse stats than both Giannis and George (and they are basically worse across every major category and include efficiencies).
I have Kawhi over George, but I think it's super close and could go either way (along with Durant). Looking at per minute, per possession, and advanced stats, hard to choose whose better.
Kawhi's missed some games (20 so far, likely up to 21-22 by end of season), but his team is also on pace to win 58 games (while Durant is on pace for 56, and George at 49). For those arguing games played (for guys like LeBron too, missed 19 so far), it just doesn't seem to be a huge deal to voters, to a point. Embiid missed 19 and was 2nd team last year, Curry missed 31 and was 3rd, Durant missed 20 and was 2nd team in '17. Chris Paul missed 20 in '14 and was 2nd team.
Sure if you miss 20 games and are just way better statistically then the people below you, but missing 20 games when your competition doesn't and has better stats than you no way. And sure the Raptors are on pace to win 58 games, but they are 35-16 (68.6%) with him and 15-6 (71.4%) without him. Seems strange to boast a team record when the team is actually better without him being available for the game.
Missing 20 games when way better statistically - that's a fair point.
George being statistically better - disagree. Not in 2019 when people look beyond the basic counting stats. Of the 3 (Kawhi, George, Durant) of whom I think it's close: Kawhi scores more points per minute/possession, has a highest PER, lowest TOV%, lowest foul rate, best WS/48, tied with George for TRB%
Durant has highest TS%, eFG%, best block and assists figures across the board.
George has the best steal numbers, best rebound numbers, tied with Kawhi for TRB%, best WS, best BPM, best VORP.
I don't think you can look at per possession, per minute, or advanced stats and say 1 guy is clearly better than the other 2.
Then I think there's the immeasurable/reputation factors that go into it. Kawhi's a better defender (not saying it's true, but that's what people think), and that TOR is Kawhi's team, while OKC is really Westbrook's, and GS belongs to Curry. Leonard might also get a lift because people weren't sure if he'd be any good this year. Are these fair? I don't know. Do voters consider this? Absolutely.
As far as record goes, I don't really know if your in the C's Team-Kyrie camp or not, but we see how terrible that argument is for him here, I think it's similar for Kawhi. When things are close, it usually goes to the guy with the better record. You think this is a strange take? While George is playing great, OKC at <50 wins just isn't a good look for him, especially if Westbrook is the All-NBA conversation too.
We also have a peak into media voting with the All-Star results (not perfect due to conferences and Centers included). Kawhi finished 1st in East media vote (tied with Giannis and Embiid, really only a 3 person race for 3 spots), George finished a distant 4th (behind AD, LeBron, Durant, ahead of Jokic), in a 5 person race for the 3 spots.
I'm okay with George being in over Kawhi. I just disagree with the notion that it's not close. I think it's extremely close, not just with Kawhi but Durant too.