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The Washington Wizards (website - news) introduced forward Darius Songaila on Thursday, saying he is an enforcer who can bolster the team's weak front court defense.

The Wizards signed Songalia to a 5-year deal worth about $21 million Wednesday, less than a year after he signed with the Chicago Bulls as a free agent.

"We had a couple goals and one was to get someone in the front line who is a tough, rugged, hard-nosed competitor. That's what Darius is," said general manager Ernie Grunfeld.

The Wizards are coming off back-to-back playoff appearances, but Grunfeld has said he would like to improve the defense, especially in the paint. Songaila helped the Bulls hold opponents to shoot 42.6 percent shooting last season, best in the NBA.

Grunfeld said Songalia will also help on offense by unclogging the middle for leading scorer Gilbert Arenas.

"When Gilbert 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," said Grunfeld.

Songalia said he expects to fill the team's biggest needs.

"I won't be the most athletic player on the floor. I won't run and dunk," 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."

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