Nets, Hawks swap first-round picks

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06/24/2010 - New York, NY (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - The Atlanta Hawks and New Jersey Nets traded first-round picks during the NBA Draft Thursday night.

The Nets obtained forward Damion James, who was the 24th overall pick out of the University of Texas. Atlanta got shooting guard Jordan Crawford, who was taken 27th out of Xavier.

Additionally, the Hawks received German center Tibor Pleiss, who was taken 31st overall in the draft by the Nets. Pleiss was then dealt to Oklahoma City for cash considerations.

James finished his career at Texas with school records in rebounds, consecutive games played and games started. He also set the Big 12 record with 1,318 rebounds and 54 double-doubles.

Crawford gained headlines after dunking on LeBron James at the Skills Academy in the summer of 2009. He led the Atlantic 10 Conference in scoring at 20.5 ppg.

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El Duque expected to throw Tuesday

PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. -- New York Mets pitcher Orlando Hernandez, sidelined at spring training because of arthritis in his neck, is expected to resume throwing on Tuesday.

Hernandez received a cortisone shot Thursday after leaving camp and returning to New York to have his neck examined. The 41-year-old right-hander is penciled in as the team's No. 2 starter behind Tom Glavine.

El Duque's health is a major issue for the Mets, who won the NL East in 2007 and came within one victory of the World Series. Their aging and unsettled rotation is a big question mark this year.

MySportsbook.com has the Mets as -110 favorites to repeat as NL East champions odds. 

Hernandez went 11-11 with a 4.66 ERA last season, including 9-7 with a 4.09 ERA in 20 starts after the Mets acquired him from Arizona in late May. But he missed the playoffs because of a torn calf muscle.

New York already is without Pedro Martinez, out until at least midseason following rotator cuff surgery. Among those competing for starting jobs are prospects Mike Pelfrey, Philip Humber and Jason Vargas, plus veterans Chan Ho Park, Jorge Sosa and Aaron Sele.

Notes: Mets manager Willie Randolph is excited about two new utility players he could have on his bench: Damion Easley and David Newhan. ''Their value is really all over the place,'' Randolph said. Easley can play anywhere in the infield and could be used as an emergency outfielder, though Randolph said he would prefer to keep the veteran in the infield. Newhan, meanwhile, can play second base, third or any outfield position for the Mets. ''I love versatility,'' Randolph said. ''I love guys that can give me options when I need them to step in.''

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