Posted Jul 29 2010 4:45PM
ATLANTA (AP) -- Jason Collins, who saw little action at the end of Atlanta's bench under Mike Woodson last season, is returning as a backup center for the Hawks under new coach Larry Drew.
The Hawks re-signed Collins on Thursday.
Collins appeared in only 24 games last season, scoring 16 points and grabbing 14 rebounds while averaging only 4.7 minutes.
Drew says the 7-foot Collins, a nine-year veteran, gives the team inside depth and a veteran presence in the locker room.
Collins previously played with New Jersey, Memphis and Minnesota. He has career averages of 4.1 points and 4.2 rebounds. His scoring averages have declined in five straight seasons.
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