Hornets Honor Legend Dell Curry with Jersey Retirement
Hornets Honor Legend Dell Curry with Jersey Retirement
The Charlotte Hornets are set to retire Dell Curry's No. 30 jersey on March 19, 2026, during their home game against the Orlando Magic at Spectrum Center. This marks only the second such honor in franchise history, following Bobby Phills, celebrating Curry's enduring legacy as a player, ambassador, and broadcaster.[1][3]
A Storied Career and Family Legacy
Dell Curry, the 1994 Sixth Man of the Year, spent a decade with the Hornets from 1988-98, amassing 9,839 points—second in team history—and leading in games played and key shooting stats. Now in his 17th year as TV analyst after 27 total years with the team, his surprise reaction captured the moment's emotion. Fathers to NBA stars Stephen and Seth Curry, the family ties add generational depth, with Seth briefly wearing No. 30 last season as tribute.[1][2][3]
Owners Champion Curry's Impact
Co-owners Rick Schnall and Gabe Plotkin praised Curry's professionalism and community commitment since acquiring the team in 2023. This retirement strengthens ties to Hornets history amid new leadership, ensuring legends like Curry remain immortalized in the rafters.[1][3]
About the Organizations Mentioned
Charlotte Hornets
The **Charlotte Hornets** is a professional basketball franchise in the NBA's Eastern Conference Southeast Division, competing at Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina, and known for its passionate fanbase rooted in the city's "Hornet's Nest" moniker from the American Revolutionary War.[1][6] Founded in 1988 as an expansion team by George Shinn, the Hornets quickly became an NBA attendance leader, averaging over 23,000 fans per game in their early years at Charlotte Coliseum, fueled by stars like **Larry Johnson** (1992 Rookie of the Year), **Alonzo Mourning** (two All-Stars), Muggsy Bogues, and Kemba Walker (all-time leading scorer).[1][3][4] They reached Eastern Conference Semifinals in 1993 and 1997 but relocated to New Orleans in 2002 amid ownership disputes, becoming the Pelicans.[1][2] Charlotte received an expansion franchise in 2004 as the **Bobcats**, owned by BET founder Robert L. Johnson—the first African American majority owner in major U.S. sports.[2][3] **Michael Jordan** joined as minority owner and GM in 2006, gaining majority control in 2010 after a dismal stretch, including the NBA's worst winning percentage (.106) in 2011–12.[2][3][4] Rebranded Hornets in 2014 (after New Orleans shed the name), the team posted a franchise-best 48 wins in 2015–16 and earned playoffs in 2013–14 and 2015–16, but never advanced past the first round.[2][3] Notable achievements include Rookies of the Year: Emeka Okafor (2005), **LaMelo Ball** (2021), and Johnson; yet the franchise has just 10 playoff appearances since 1988, no division titles, and frequent rebuilds.[2][3][5] Jorda
Orlando Magic
The **Orlando Magic** is a professional basketball franchise in the NBA's Eastern Conference, based in Orlando, Florida, and owned by a business entity emphasizing community engagement and entertainment tied to the region's tourism economy.[1][2] Founded in 1989 as part of a four-team NBA expansion alongside the Minnesota Timberwolves, the Magic drew its name from the "magic" of nearby Walt Disney World, capitalizing on Orlando's theme-park-driven economy to build a fanbase.[1][2] Early years were rocky, with losing records (e.g., 18-64 in 1989-90), but a pivotal 1992 draft pick of **Shaquille O’Neal** sparked rapid success. Paired with Anfernee "Penny" Hardaway, the team posted the East's best 1994-95 record, reaching their first **NBA Finals** (swept by Houston Rockets) and Eastern Conference Finals in 1996 (swept by Chicago Bulls).[1][2] Post-O'Neal (traded 1996), the franchise rebuilt around **Dwight Howard**, drafted in 2004, leading to a 2009 NBA Finals appearance (lost to Lakers) and two Eastern Conference titles (1995, 2009).[2] Turbulent rebuilding followed, including a league-worst 20-62 record in 2012-13 and five straight divisional last-places, prompting trades of stars like Howard (2012).[2] Resurgence came under coach Steve Clifford, securing a surprise Southeast Division title in 2018-19.[1][2] As of the 2025-26 season, the Magic hold a competitive **22-18 record** (.550 winning percentage), positioning them atop their division amid a playoff push, following a balanced 41-41 in 2024-25 and playoff appearance in 2023-24 (47-35).[3] No
