Metta World Peace's brother, Daniel Artest, believes that the New York Knicks were missing a tough defensive element last season in the playoffs.

“They’ve got a good team but they never had that goon — that defensive goon last season,’’ Daniel Artest said. “Someone that’s not afraid. If Ron was on the team, they would have gotten past the Pacers.’’

World Peace was waived by the Los Angeles Lakers and subsequently signed with the Knicks.

“I’m not worried [he’s washed up],’’ Daniel said. “It’s all about heart. The way Ron plays, he will help the Knicks out the way he plays defense and take pressure off Carmelo [Anthony], [who] won’t have to guard the best forward guy anymore. [World Peace] can guard the power forward. He held a lot of power forwards like Zach Randolph, David West and LaMarcus [Aldridge] last season way below their scoring average. He’s still very strong and has a lot of game left.’’