This was basically an entirely new team.
While the outside world was abuzz with speculation, the pre-season began.
The first game was against their neighbors, the New Jersey Nets.
The Nets were still rolling with their same old Big Three: J Kidd, Carter, and Jefferson.
The trio had made the playoffs last season, and they would likely do so again this season.
The pre-season itself doesn't attract much attention. After all, the games don't count toward the official record and are mostly just a chance for players to get back into game shape.
However, Madison Square Garden Arena was still packed to the rafters. New York fans' love for the Knicks had reached a whole new level after their championship win.
Of course, James Dolan had also let ticket prices skyrocket, along with the fees for various sponsorships.
He was a businessman, after all!
James Dolan was now being hailed as a business guru. Who would dare call him a spendthrift anymore?
