After a five-minute presentation by Lithuania’s acting ambassador to the United States, followed by flowers, hugs, and photos, Darius Songaila’s press conference finally returned to normal. But first, a comment from the owner.
“They sure love you over there,” Wizards owner Abe Pollin joked.
The Wizards hope he’s equally embraced in Washington. The 6-foot-8 Songaila might not be a big-name signing, but he could prove an important one, giving the Wizards a power forward who can shoot, pass and rebound. He could also play center in a small lineup.
“We had a couple goals and one was to get someone in the front line who is a tough, rugged, hard-nosed competitor,” Wizards president of basketball operations Ernie Grunfeld said. “That’s what Darius is. … [And], when Gilbert [Arenas] gets to the middle, the big man can’t help as much as in the past because if he does, Darius can knock down the 15-foot jumper. He’s the total package for us.”
Songaila, entering his fourth NBA season, signed a five-year deal worth approximately $23 million. He averaged 9.2 points and 4.0 rebounds in a mostly reserve role with Chicago last season and was sought by at least a half-dozen teams.
“I won’t be the most athletic player on the floor; I won’t run and dunk crazy,” Songaila said. “But I can make that shot and I can pass and the one thing I guarantee is I will play tough and hard.”
With a half-dozen members of the Lithuanian embassy in attendance, the Wizards joked about the opportunity to sell more tickets. But Pollin said Songaila’s real benefit comes on the court.
“We have to improve defensively,” Pollin said. “That’s why Darius is here.”
