The Charlotte Hornets announced today that the organization will retire the No. 30 jersey of franchise legend Dell Curry during a special ceremony at the team’s game against the Orlando Magic on March 19 at Spectrum Center. Curry, who has spent more than 25 years with the Hornets as a player, broadcaster and ambassador, will become only the second player in franchise history to have his jersey retired. The honor underscores his enduring impact on the organization, the Charlotte community and the game of basketball.
On March 19th, No. 30 will be raised to the rafters.
Dell Curry’s lasting legacy as a player, broadcaster, and ambassador for more than 25 years with our organization will forever be honored and celebrated.
🔗 https://t.co/CwvIXYB1HQ | @realdellcurry pic.twitter.com/N7s5iOxAmB
— Charlotte Hornets (@hornets) January 14, 2026
During his 10 seasons with the Hornets (1988–98), Curry established himself as one of the most accomplished and respected players in franchise history. He retired as the team’s all-time leader in games (701), points (9,839), field goals made (3,951) and three-point field goals (929). Curry continues to rank among the top 10 in numerous Hornets statistical categories, including games (first), seasons (first), points (second), field goals made (second), field goals attempted (second), three-point field goals made (second), three-point field goal percentage (third), steals (fourth), free throw percentage (sixth) and free throws made (eighth).
“As owners, we are committed to celebrating our Hornets legacy and recognizing those who helped build the foundation of this franchise,” said Hornets Co-Chairmen Rick Schnall and Gabe Plotkin. “Dell Curry has been a cornerstone of the Charlotte Hornets for more than 25 years – both on and off the court. He exemplifies what it means to be a Hornet through his professionalism, work ethic and commitment to excellence. Dell’s impact on our organization, our fans and our community is undeniable, and he is truly deserving of this honor. We look forward to celebrating this special moment with Hornets fans and raising No. 30 to the rafters of Spectrum Center forever.”
“When I first came to Charlotte in 1988, the city embraced my family and me in a way I never expected,” said Curry. “I was blessed to join an organization that believed in me, play alongside teammates who would become life-long friends and compete in front of the most passionate fans in the NBA. I’m proud to continue being part of the Hornets organization and this community today. Having my jersey retired is an honor I never imagined, and I’m forever grateful to Rick and Gabe as well as the entire organization. Charlotte shaped so many meaningful moments in my life, and I’m humbled by this recognition.”
A key contributor during some of the most successful seasons in franchise history, Curry helped lead the Hornets to three 50-plus win campaigns, including a franchise-best 54–28 record in 1996–97, and four playoff appearances. Known for his three-point shooting, Curry finished in the NBA’s top 10 in three-point field goal percentage five times in his 10 seasons with Charlotte. Curry shot better than 40% from three-point range in each of his final seven seasons with the Hornets (1991–92 through 1997–98), becoming the only NBA player to accomplish this feat during that span. Widely regarded as one of the greatest sixth men in NBA history, Curry earned the NBA Sixth Man of the Year Award in 1994 and finished in the top seven in voting for the award in five straight seasons, including a runner-up finish in 1995. Currently, Curry ranks third in NBA history in bench scoring with 11,147 points. In 701 games with Charlotte (77 starts), Curry averaged 14.0 points (.462 FG%, .405 3P%, .825 FT%), 2.9 rebounds, 2.0 assists and 1.1 steals in 25.1 minutes per game.
Beyond his on-court accomplishments, Curry has remained a pillar of the Hornets organization and the Charlotte community. Following his playing career, he returned to the franchise and is in the midst of his 17th season as the team’s television analyst, sharing his insight and passion for the game with fans across generations. In his role as a Hornets ambassador, Curry continues to represent the organization at community events and fan activations throughout the Carolinas. Curry is the father of current NBA players and Golden State teammates Seth Curry and Stephen Curry, as well as his daughter, Sydel.
Born in Harrisonburg, Virginia, Curry was a multi-sport athlete before starring at Virginia Tech University, where he averaged 19.0 points per game over four seasons and finished with the second-highest scoring total in school history. He was named Metro Conference Player of the Year as a senior before being selected 15th overall in the 1986 NBA Draft by the Utah Jazz. After stints with Utah and the Cleveland Cavaliers, Curry joined the Hornets during their inaugural 1988–89 season after being selected No. 2 overall in the 1988 NBA Expansion Draft. Additionally, Curry played for Milwaukee and Toronto in his 16-year NBA career.
Fans are invited to join Curry, his family and the Hornets organization to celebrate this historic jersey retirement on Thursday, March 19 vs. Orlando. The evening will feature a special on-court ceremony honoring Curry’s legacy before his No. 30 jersey is raised to the rafters. The first 10,000 fans in attendance will receive a Dell Curry commemorative Topps collectable card. Tickets for the game are available at Hornets.com.
The Hornets’ only other retired jersey belongs to Bobby Phills (No. 13), which was retired on Feb. 9, 2000.
