Stat is an important element in the Knicks possibly winning a championship. I could bet that this series with Boston would have been over if Stat would have been playing. With Stat in the game, it puts pressure on the opponents Bigs Stat would have the difference of Garnett almost fouling out and actually fouling out. Against the Pacers, Chandler and K-Mart, are NOT putting pressure on the West Hibbert, Hansborough, to get them into foul trouble. Stat will. As far as defense goes, Felton has been playing $hitty D all year, he still played tho. Melo D is improved, but his D isn't nothing to write home about. Point is, you can have an all world defender, if your team defense isn't worth ****, then you are in trouble. The TEAM defense needs to be good in order for the Knicks to compete for a chip.