We’ve cleared the halfway mark of the 10th NBA season since the Michael Jordan Bulls charged into the sunset. The Eastern Conference has been dominated by the West ever since. And for every Kevin Garnett that comes in, out goes a Shaquille O’Neal and a Pau Gasol.

But maybe the New Jersey Nets will get their midterm grade raised by sending Jason Kidd to Dallas by next Thursday’s trade deadline.

Boston: A+
Detroit: A+
Orlando: A
Toronto: C+
Cleveland: C
Washington: C-
Atlanta: D-
New Jersey: F
Indiana: F
Milwaukee: F
Charlotte: F
Chicago: F
New York: F
Miami: F
Philadelphia: Satisfactory

Looks like half the conference needs remedial school. The Sixers have performed admirably since the Allen Iverson trade (more Western poaching) and therefore receive a Satisfactory mark for their rebuilding efforts. Charlotte is no longer an expansion team, so no slack for the Bobcats. And of course, Boston and Detroit are at the head of the class.