WELCOME TO THE BIG CITY New York basketball just added a formidable force to its center stage. Amar’e Stoudemire was on the Madison Square Garden marquee, wearing a white Knicks jersey with a No. 1 on the chest. His image filled electronic billboards across the premises. A large banner inside bore a slogan, “Stat City,” that played on his nickname, STAT (Standing Tall and Talented). Stoudemire, in cap, averaged 23.1 points and 8.9 rebounds for the Suns last season. Above, he announces his deal.