New ideas and promises of a transformation always sound great in the preseason. The hope of what they can bring is in full abundance.

But now all of Mike Brown’s envisioned Knicks changes stop being theoretical — they come under the spotlight and must become reality.

Yes, there were other moves made — particularly in beefing up the bench. But firing Tom Thibodeau and subsequently hiring Brown is what the Knicks are most relying on to be the catalyst that elevates them into true title contenders.

And the changes Brown intends to implement get their first test against a Cavaliers team most expect to be the biggest obstacle in the Eastern Conference.

An NBA Finals berth is the bar Brown must meet, considering the Knicks fired Thibodeau after reaching the conference finals.

With the prese

See Full Page