After ending last season two games shy of an Eastern Conference title, the New York Knicks can take firm control over the conference this season.

The team's president of basketball operations, Leon Rose, and his front office revamped their coaching staff and bench throughout the summer to ensure they can compete with the best the league has to offer.

Moving on From Thibodeau, Adding Two Depth Pieces

The Knicks started their offseason on June 3 by parting ways with veteran head coach Tom Thibodeau, who had led the team to four postseason appearances and their first Eastern Conference finals since 1999-2000.

The decision came after Rose said the organization is focused solely on contending for a championship. The coaching search lasted until July 2, when they signed two-time NBA Coach of the Year Mike Brown.

Brown was later signed to a four-year $40 million deal after he spent three seasons from 2022-25 with the Sacramento Kings. At first i wasn't to happy with this decision because Thibodeau played a key role in reviving the Knicks culture, and I didn't know to much about Brown.

But my opinion changed once I learned more about what he can bring to the table. He helped the Kings create a solid culture and snap a 16-season playoff drought.

Brown was also responsible for developing a strong relationship with All-Stars De’Aaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis, which I think he can bring to the Big Apple to assist Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns with their development.

Rose then changed up the Knicks bench by signing guard Jordan Clarkson, who previously played for the Utah Jazz, and forward Guerschon Yabusele, who last played with the Philadelphia 76ers. Clarkson is a former Six-Man of the Year and solid scorer, giving New York a solid backup option when Brunson needs to be checked out.

Yabusele, on the other hand, played overseas and with the 76ers on a one-year deal. He averaged 11.0 points and 5.6 rebounds per game, which earned him a two-year $12 million contract from the Knicks. Yabusele can use his scoring and rebounding skills as a backup for big men Towns and Mitchell Robinson.

I really liked both signings because of the amount of depth and versatility each man can add to the bench which will make it a nightmare for the oposing defenders.

The Eastern Conference’s Contenders Have Less Talent Compared to Last Season

Last season, the Eastern Conference was home to two 60-win franchises: the Boston Celtics and Cleveland Cavaliers. Heading into this season, the Cavaliers look like another frontrunner.

At the same time the Celtics probaly won't be anywhere near the same as they once were since they will be playing without superstar forward Jayson Tatum (out with a torn Achilles), guard Jrue Holiday (sent to the Portland Trail Blazers in a trade) and center Kristaps Porzingis (traded to the Atlanta Hawks).

Another example of a team heading into this season with a much different lineup is the Indiana Pacers, who reached Game 7 of the NBA Finals. Indiana will be without All-Star guard Tyrese Haliburton (out with a torn Achilles) and veteran center Myles Turner (signed with the Milwaukee Bucks), leaving forward Pascal Siakam as their lone star.

Other possible top contenders besides the Cavaliers include the Detroit Pistons and Orlando Magic, who have further developed their rosters after reaching the playoffs last year. I expect both teams to make things hard for the Knicks, although this also leaves them in a perfect spot to take advantage of the weakened conference and put together multiple wins next season.

The momentum might be swinging in the Knicks' direction once the season gets underway on Oct. 21. New York’s season and home opener is scheduled for Oct. 22 against the Cavaliers at Madison Square Garden.