LTU - Surgery to sidelines Songaila

WASHINGTON (NBA) - Darius Songaila's debut with the Washington Wizards will have to wait.
The Wizards have announced Songaila will undergo surgery to repair a herniated disc in his back and will miss up to 12 weeks.

The Lithuanian suffered the injury while playing for his country at the FIBA World Championship and aggravated it in training camp. He did not play any pre-season games.

"Darius injured his back in the World Championships in August and it got progressively worse," Wizards president Ernie Grunfeld said.

"We tried a number of methods of treatment and rehabilitation but have been advised by our medical staff that the best course of action at this time is for Darius to have this injury surgically repaired."

Entering his fourth season, the 6ft 8in Songaila has career averages of 7.0 points and 3.8 rebounds in 216 games with Sacramento and Chicago.

Last season, he averaged a career-high 9.2 points and 4.0 rebounds with the Bulls.

In the off-season, the Wizards signed Songaila to a five-year, $23 million contract. He was expected to serve as a back-up power forward and center, one of Washington's weaknesses last season.

"I am very disappointed that I will not be out there with my new team-mates," Songaila said.

"I plan to work hard and look forward to getting back on the court. Unfortunately, surgery is my best option at this time."

Songaila's absence leaves the Wizards with a rotation of big men that includes center Brendan Haywood; centers Calvin Booth and Etan Thomas and forward
Michael Ruffin, none of whom are considered scorers; rookie center James Lang; and second-year forward Andray Blatche, who is just 20 years old.

Washington open the season at Cleveland on Wednesday.

PA Sport