What happened: A New York Knicks player said life in the city changed after the championship run, joking that he cannot just walk around New York the same way anymore. New York's season opener is set for Oct. 20 against the Philadelphia 76Ers as the club begins its title defense.

Why it matters: The opener will be the Knicks' first game since the franchise ended its 53-year title drought, giving a routine offseason media appearance a little more weight. It also puts the defending champs on a national stage immediately, with a familiar East rival lined up for opening night.

What to watch: Training camp is the next checkpoint before ring night, with New York still sorting the back end of its roster. The Oct. 20 opener will offer the first read on how the title defense starts.