As we head into the second half of the NBA season, the strange booing of Kobe Bryant in Philadelphia is thankfully becoming a distant memory. So let's take a look at how things went in the first half and how they might shake out between now and the playoffs.

	Jason Kidd has raised the level of play in New Jersey.

When the season started, I made a few predictions. I thought the Toronto Raptors and Los Angeles Lakers would play in the finals.

That could still happen, though the Eastern Conference has opened up a bit to include big surprises in New Jersey, Boston and Washington. And Shaquille O'Neal's big toe now looms as the Lakers' most formidable foe. So far, the Lakers seem to play up or down to the competition. I assume that the spring will bring more focus.

I did pick the New Jersey Nets to make the playoffs, but they are playing well beyond expectations, thanks mostly to health and Jason Kidd.

But the Nets make you think of injuries, and it seems like we're just waiting for it to happen. Will it be Kerry Kittles, Keith Van Horn, Kenyon Martin or even Kidd himself? New Jersey has the most balanced starting five in the NBA; all five are averaging double figures in scoring.

The Philadelphia 76ers had a horrible start without Allen Iverson, which underscored his value. But is everyone on the same page? The talent is there, but how much will they continue to get from Derrick Coleman and Aaron McKie? The lineup is there, but you wonder if it will come together and stay together.

The Boston Celtics have greatly improved their defense but have also benefited from a relatively easy schedule. If they make the postseason, they'll have to earn it with a strong second half. Someone other than Paul Pierce and Antoine Walker will need to step up for that to happen.

I certainly did not think the Washington Wizards would make the playoffs, but they're right in the thick of it for the sixth, seventh or eighth spot. I figured Michael Jordan would average about 21 ppg, but he is now clocking in an impressive 25 ppg. Goes to show you the wisdom of underestimating MJ.

In the Western Conference, I love the addition of point guard Mike Bibby to the Sacramento Kings. He brought stability to what is now the highest-scoring team in the league. I still wonder if they can beat the Lakers in a seven-game series. Beating the Lakers means matching up with O'Neal and Bryant. The Kings, for all their talent, just don't do that.

The first-half coach of the year is Doug Collins of the Wizards. He has been nothing short of remarkable this year, and if you don't believe, check out Washington's roster. Beyond Jordan, there's not a lot there.

	Jordan

Which brings me to the first-half MVP. It's Jordan, with Kidd a close second. Both guys have their teams doing much better than last year and much better than expected. Each brings an infectious attitude, Jordan one of toughness and Kidd one of togetherness. I'd love to give it to Kidd, who I think is the best point guard in the league. But no player means more to his team's success than Michael Jordan.

Finally, for rookie of the year, I still like Pau Gasol of the Grizzlies and Jamaal Tinsley of the Pacers, with Gasol getting the tiebreaker.