What’s behind the Knicks disconnect between Karl-Anthony Towns and Mike Brown

CLEVELAND — At this point, you have to pick a side. Or assign blame. The system or KAT? KAT or Mike Brown? They’ve left us no choice.

Earlier this season, their messaging, if not the results, reflected congruity. The Knicks’ new offensive system, predicated on pace and conceptual basketball over playcalling, was the problem. As Brown often said, Karl-Anthony Towns’ adjustment was the most difficult given the vast responsibilities of the center.

There was a learning curve.

But Brown’s messaging has shifted lately, emphasizing repeatedly since the All-Star break that Towns is “right where he should be” in the offense.