Hawks pick Texas F Damion James at No. 24

The Atlanta Hawks have selected Texas forward Damion James with the 24th overall pick in the NBA draft.

The 6-foot-7 James, a strong rebounder in college, will give the Hawks depth behind starting forwards Josh Smith and Marvin Williams.

James averaged 18 points and 10.3 rebounds as a senior with the Longhorns. It was his third straight season with at least 9 rebounds per game.

James entered the 2009 draft before returning for his senior season.

The Hawks are coming off a 53-win season, the most since 1996-97, and a second-round playoff loss to Orlando that cost coach Mike Woodson his job. Assistant Larry Drew was promoted to replace Woodson.