The ghost of the 2007 playoffs will last longer than David Stern's tenure as commissioner of the National Basketball Association, which is now counting down to February 1, 2014.

The NBA Board of Governors will select a new commissioner by then, with the early favorite being Stern's right-hand man for the past 1000 6 years - David Adam Silver.

What exactly will Stern's imminent departure mean to the NBA?

Will lockout cease to exist? Will harmony between players and owners prevail? No likely. Stern was not the warmest person in the nation, but he was often put into position of being the bad guy between two warring entities, and ultimately answerable to the ones with the most money.

Will the silly NBA dress code and 90-second limits on player/player introductions disappear? Not likely.

Will Phoenix Suns fans rejoice in the chance that a new commissioner might see apply context to simple rule enforcements that might change the outcome of the best playoff series of the year? Maybe. And that's all we can hope for.

David Stern oversaw incredible expansion of the NBA brand, and the spawning of more teams and new leagues.

We can only hope that the next commissioner is just as business savvy, while being a little more likable.