The Return of Bob Ortegel

​Ten months ago, Mark Cuban dismissed Bob Ortegel as the Dallas Mavericks' color commentator, insisting, "Sometimes you've just got to freshen things up and try some different things." Ortegel, who had more or less been the voice of the team for the past 23 years, handled his firing with great dignity: "It's been a wonderful experience." He also noted he'd turned down the opportunity to move to radio. And that, it appeared, was that.

Then, this: Fox Sports Southwest has announced today that Ortegel will once more be associated with Mavs games -- this time, as part of the network's pre- and post-game shows, beginning the day after Christmas. Says FSN senior exec producer Mike Anastassiou, "His knowledge of the game and his familiarity with the team will have a huge impact on enhancing our shows." All together now.