Nets Sign Draft Picks Favors, James

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) First-round draft picks Derrick Favors and Damion James have signed with the New Jersey Nets.

Outgoing Nets president Rod Thorn announced the signings Thursday, his penultimate day on the job.

Favors, the Georgia Tech forward and third pick overall, will earn a total of $8.57 million in his first two seasons. The team has options on his third and fourth years.

The ACC rookie of the year averaged 12.4 points, 8.4 rebounds and 2.1 blocks in 36 games.

James, the 24th pick overall, was acquired in a draft-day deal with Atlanta. The small forward from Texas will earn a total of $2.39 million in his first two seasons.

James averaged 18.0 points and 10.3 rebounds as a senior with the Longhorns.