PHOTO: Hornets welcome back Hugo the Hornet

As an appetizer for the upcoming unveiling of their new purple-and-teal jerseys, the Charlotte Hornets officially welcomed back mascot Hugo the Hornet on Thursday.

Hugo was one of the NBA's best mascots until 2013, when New Orleans' franchise, which was relocated from Charlotte in 2002, rebranded themselves as the Pelicans, leaving the adorable critter unemployed and wandering the lonely streets of Louisiana's largest city.

Luckily for Hugo, it was announced in December that he would return to Charlotte once the team took on the Hornets name ahead of the 2014-15 season.

The mascot decided to mark his return to the Southeast with some dance moves in front of reporters.