Break Out The Flat Top: Greg Ostertag Is Making A Comeback In The D-League

Without cheating, guess how long Greg Ostertag has been retired? It was only five years ago, when an out-of-shape Ostertag was playing limited minutes behind Mehmet Okur and mentoring a young Kris Humphries. But it's been even longer since he was effective, and longer than that since he played for a contending team. So now, naturally, the 38-year-old Ostertag is hoping to join the defending NBA champions.

Is 38 that old? Kurt Thomas, Grant Hill, Juwan Howard and Jason Kidd are older. But they're not 7'2", and they all still have both kidneys. Still, Ostertag needs to at least try.

"I missed playing,'' Ostertag said. "I shouldn't have quit when I did and I feel like I got to give it one last shot to see if I can make it happen.

Ostertag signed a deal with the D-League Texas Legends, and will make his debut tomorrow. The Legends are affiliated with the Mavericks, who are desperate for a big shotblocker who could put in 5-10 minutes a night. Is Ostertag the guy? Or should he stick to hockey?

Former Jazz center Ostertag begins comeback Thursday at Frisco [Dallas Morning News]