Bye Bye, Bob O!

For the past ten days, Dad and I have exchanged text messages throughout the Mavs' TV broadcasts that all went something like this:

Where is Bob Ortegel?

Did Harp (Derek Harper) take his place?

Have you heard anything more about Bob?

Wonder why he isn't on the broadcast?

Yesterday, I finally got some answers, and as a Mavs fan, I was extremely unhappy with the news I received: Bob Ortegel's last official broadcast as the Mavericks' TV color analyst was on January 27th, when Dallas defeated the Houston Rockets. Apparently, according to news reports, Mavericks' owner Mark Cuban felt the TV broadcast needed a newer look and a fresher voice. Ever heard that old saying, "If it ain't broke, don't fix it"? I've got news for you, Mark: It wasn't broke!

For the past 23 season, I have watched, learned, and listened as Bob Ortegel explained any and every facet of the game of basketball. Rules that I previously could not comprehend became clear to me under Coach Bob's television tutelage. Every time I turned on the tube and saw his familiar face, I felt like I was sitting next to my all-knowing grandfather, who would eagerly answer my basketball questions, sometimes before I could even voice them aloud. Other announcers came and went (Jim Durham, Allen Stone, Matt Pinto) but Coach Bob and his sweet smiling face were always there, like a comfortable pair of shoes. Losing Bob on the broadcast feels like I’ve lost an old friend. As Dad said, “It’s a crying shame.” He must be right, because I literally feel like crying.

Cuban is said to have offered Ortegel the opportunity to continue working with the Mavericks in the capacity of color commentator on the radio broadcasts, but Ortegel politely declined, at least for the time being. When asked about the situation, Ortegel simply said, “I'm grateful and I'm thankful for the 23 years that I've had with the Dallas Mavericks' organization.'' Now that’s a true class act.

Last year, as part of my experience as the HP Insider, I was fortunate enough to meet Bob Ortegel in person. Although he was seriously ill with a nasty cold/flu, he was still just as polite and friendly as could be. And on the bus ride back from the arena to the airport in San Antonio, I actually sat next to Bob. Again, even though he clearly wasn't feeling well, he talked to me the entire trip. It breaks my heart to think that Iwill no longer be able to turn on a Mavs game and see that old familiar face smiling back at me, or listen to the analysis of the man who knows more about the game of basketball than anyone I have ever known.

Although I am usually a big supporter of Mark Cuban and the decisions he has made as owner of the Dallas Mavericks (let’s face it, he put basketball back on the map in north Texas), this time, he couldn’t be any more wrong. Mavs’ fans don’t want a fresher voice or a newer face; what we want is someone who knows the team, knows the game, and brings years of insight, wisdom, and experience along with him. Mavs’ fans want the man we have come to admire, respect, and even adore over the past two plus decades; we want Coach Bob, back on the broadcast, where he belongs.

Former Mavericks Brad Davis (road games) and Derek Harper (home games) will sit in for Bob for the remainder of the season. But as much as I love Brad and Derek (two of my all-time favorite players, both genuine down-to-earth guys, whom I have met on numerous occasions), they still aren’t Bob. And although they may be able to fill his seat, no one will ever fill Bob Ortegel’s shoes…