NBA awards predictions: James is MVP

San Antonio Spurs forward David West (30) gave up $11 million in guarantees from the Indiana Pacers to pursue a championship in Texas. Darren Abate AP

Charlotte Observer NBA writer Rick Bonnell predicts winners of the annual awards presented at the end of the regular season.

Most Valuable Player

LeBron James, Cleveland Cavaliers

Comment: This could be a huge season for New Orleans’ Anthony Davis, but will the Pelicans have a good enough record to propel Davis’ MVP campaign?

Coach of the Year

Billy Donovan, Oklahoma City Thunder

Comment: Donovan inherited a loaded roster that is on the mend after an injury-filled season at OKC.

Most Improved Player

Nikola Mirotic, Chicago Bulls

Comment: Coach Fred Hoiberg is talking about bringing Joakim Noah off the bench so Mirotic can be a starter at forward.

Defensive Player of the Year

Draymond Green, Golden State Warriors

Comment: He’s definitive of the NBA’s move toward slightly shorter, but far more athletic, power forwards.

Sixth-Man Award

David West, San Antonio Spurs

Comment: He gave up $11 million in guarantees with the Indiana Pacers to chase a championship ring with the Spurs.

Rookie of the Year

Jahlil Okafor, Philadelphia 76ers

Comment: Okafor’s low-post scoring will carry lots of votes, but keep an eye on Bulls forward Bobby Portis.

All-NBA

First team: G Stephen Curry, Warriors; G James Harden, Rockets; F LeBron James, Cavaliers; F Anthony Davis, Pelicans; C Marc Gasol, Grizzlies.

Second team: G Chris Paul, Clippers; G Jimmy Butler, Bulls; F Kevin Durant, Thunder; F Blake Griffin, Clippers; C Pau Gasol, Bulls.

Third team: G Russell Westbrook, Thunder; G Klay Thompson, Warriors; F Paul Millsap, Hawks; F LaMarcus Aldridge, Spurs; C Brook Lopez, Nets.

This story was originally published October 24, 2015 at 4:18 PM with the headline "NBA awards predictions: James is MVP."