Every Wednesday Cuzoogle will feature The Seven which is a list of whatever we feel like. Submit your seven on whatever theme you want today and it will be posted in the coming weeks.

The Celtics closed the book on the NBA season with an impressive win over the Lakers last night. Once the dust settles, the draft takes place and the free agent signings begin, fans of every NBA team will start to get excited about next season. Here is what I am looking forward to for the 2008-09 NBA season keeping in mind the Raptors are my team.

1. Seeing how Jose Calderon does as the everyday starting point guard for the Raptors. His time as the starting this past season showed he is ready to run a team and be one of the best floor generals in the league. Hopefully by moving Ford and other possible deals, the Raptors will give Calderon a small forward who can score at will. He already has Bosh to pass to and hopefully Bargnani has a bounce back season. If this all goes to plan, Calderon could easily be near the top in assits and get the All-Star spot he should of got last year.

2. The new blood coming from college. Derrick Rose is going to a fun player to watch. His length and jumping ability will make him one of the most dynamic PGs in the NBA. Depending where he goes he could step in right away and be a favourite for Rookie of the Year. Other rooks I can’t wait to see are Beasley, Hibbert, Mayo, Augustin and Brandon Rush (hoping he goes to the Raps).

3. Raptors broadcasts without Chuck Swirsky! Okay before I get too excited, the club may insert someone worse but for the time being it is exciting to think of watching Raptors ball with someone who calls the game and does not spend all their time coming up with lame cliches. Sadly Leo will still be there giving his opinions and answering the worst hoops questions ever from fans.

4. The new-look East. The Celtics will still be the team to beat but I have a feeling from there it is going to be wild. The Pistons may shake up the team, the Knicks will be a lot better and the Bulls have the No. 1 pick. Cleveland, Washington and Toronto should be solid as well. Can’t forget about the young Sixers (if they can keep AI) and the talent heavy Bucks. That is not even mentioning the Magic who were this year’s surprise. So who is going to be left out in the cold come playoff time? It is way too early to tell but the Least-ern Conference will be a lot better in 2008-09 and the West won’t  have such a free ride.

5. Chris Paul and more Chris Paul. The guy is off the charts and I think is going to take over the NBA if not next year, very soon. The Hawks should get kicked out of the league for not picking him when they had the chance. CP3 and Chandler should set a new record for alley oops in 2008-09 and all other PGs will be light years behind the amazing guard. I only wish I got to see more Hornets games because the small taste I got in the playoffs was not enough. More CP!

6. The hopeful crumbling of the evil empire known as the Spurs. I don’t like them, they probably don’t like me. I am so hoping the team takes a back step and slides down the Western Conference standings. I doubt they will fall out completely but I would like to see them struggle and find it hard to remain in the top eight. Ginobili is going to feel the wrath of the NBA and lead the league in techs for flopping. Parker is going to bolt for L.A. soon enough so this could be their last kick at the can. A can they already have enough of.

7. New commentators on ESPN. I can’t stand the Breen, Van Gundy, Jackson combo. They made the playoffs hard to watch and listen to. During the Finals Breen had a hard on for the Celtics and he did very little to hide it. Reminded me the way he called the Heat’s title run a few years ago. I am sure Jackson will get a job coaching and Van Gundy as well. I have read VG is coming back but maybe he will say something so idiot the network will find somewhere else for him. I prefer the TNT guys or at least another ESPN crew, I love Hubie and his crazy old man ways.

What are you looking forward to next season?

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