Josh Harrellson might give the Knicks a presence every team needs to advance, especially in the playoffs.

"I'm going to protect my stars," Harrellson said yesterday at halftime of the Liberty's win over the Los Angeles Sparks at the Prudential Center. "Amar'e, Carmelo, if someone's getting rough with them, I'm going to protect them. I'm going to make my presence felt. They'll know I'm there."

Harrellson, the No. 45 overall pick whom the Knicks acquired from the Hornets in a draft-night deal for about $750,000, said he thinks he can have a long NBA career as -- his words -- a garbage man.