NBA at the Break: Midterm Grades

With the season halfway over, it’s time to see which teams are passing this season’s tests with flying colors, and which teams still need to do more homework.

The grades aren’t only based on performance, but on expectations as well.

For example, the Sonics and Timberwolves are taking remedial classes to help them for the future, while the Mavs and Spurs are taking the most rigorous championship-level courses in a quest to become valedictorian.

For some background on my personal preseason expectations, here are my conference-by-conference predictions: 

Atlantic Division Preview
Southeast Division Preview
Central Division Preview
Northwest Division Preview
Southwest Division Preview
Pacific Division Preview

And now, on with the grades...

Atlanta Hawks: B+

After a decade of futility, the Baby Hawks are finally growing up and knocking on the playoff door. Considering their youth and inexperience, that fact alone makes this season a successful campaign. Still, that youth and experience does pop up when you look at their 6-17 road record. Acquiring Mike Bibby shows that the team is serious about making the playoffs and he should provide stability for when his teammates get flustered away from Atlanta.

Boston Celtics: A+

We all knew they’d be good, but nobody expected they’d be this good! Credit Doc Rivers for getting his stars to defend and for implementing a totally unselfish gameplan; Pierce, Allen, and Garnett for playing completely unselfish (and beautiful to watch) basketball; Kendrick Perkins for improving his defense; James Posey for getting in shape; the young kids for playing with purpose and confidence; and Danny Ainge for mortgaging the future on a very realistic chance of bringing home a championship.

Charlotte Bobcats: F

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