The Charlotte Hornets announced that they will retire the No. 30 jersey of franchise icon Dell Curry during a special ceremony at the team’s home game against the Orlando Magic on March 19 at Spectrum Center. Curry will become just the second player in franchise history to receive the honor, joining the late Bobby Phills. The jersey retirement recognizes Curry’s lasting influence on the Hornets, the Charlotte community and the NBA.
Curry has been connected to the Hornets organization for more than 25 years as a player, broadcaster and ambassador. During his 10 seasons in Charlotte from 1988 to 1998, he emerged as one of the most productive and respected players the franchise has ever had. He retired as the Hornets’ all-time leader in games played (701), points (9,839), field goals made (3,951) and three-point field goals (929). He still ranks among the franchise’s top 10 in numerous categories, including games, seasons, points, field goals made and attempted, three-pointers, steals and free-throw shooting.
Hornets Co-Chairmen Rick Schnall and Gabe Plotkin praised Curry’s impact on and off the court, calling him a foundational figure in franchise history. They emphasized his professionalism, work ethic and long-standing commitment to the organization, noting that his influence has extended far beyond his playing days.
Curry reflected on his time in Charlotte with gratitude, recalling the support he and his family received after arriving with the expansion franchise in 1988. He credited the organization, his teammates and the fan base for shaping some of the most meaningful moments of his life, saying the honor of a jersey retirement is both humbling and deeply appreciated.
On the court, Curry played a key role in some of the Hornets’ most successful seasons. He helped lead the team to three 50-win campaigns, including a franchise-best 54–28 record in 1996–97, and four playoff appearances.
One of the premier shooters of his era, Curry finished in the NBA’s top 10 in three-point percentage five times with Charlotte and shot better than 40% from beyond the arc in each of his final seven seasons with the team — a feat unmatched in the league during that span. Widely regarded as one of the greatest sixth men in NBA history, Curry won the NBA Sixth Man of the Year Award in 1994 and finished among the top seven in voting for five consecutive seasons. He currently ranks third all-time in NBA bench scoring with 11,147 points.
In 701 games with the Hornets, including 77 starts, Curry averaged 14.0 points, 2.9 rebounds, 2.0 assists and 1.1 steals in just over 25 minutes per game while shooting 46.2% from the field, 40.5% from three and 82.5% from the free-throw line.
Curry’s influence has extended well beyond his playing career. He is currently in his 17th season as the Hornets’ television analyst and continues to serve as a team ambassador, representing the organization at community events across the Carolinas. He is also the father of current NBA players Stephen Curry and Seth Curry, along with his daughter, Sydel.
A native of Harrisonburg, Virginia, Curry starred at Virginia Tech, where he averaged 19.0 points per game and finished with the second-most points in school history. He was selected 15th overall by the Utah Jazz in the 1986 NBA Draft and later played for Cleveland, Milwaukee and Toronto before joining the Hornets during their inaugural 1988–89 season as the No. 2 pick in the NBA Expansion Draft.
Fans are invited to take part in the celebration on March 19, which will include a pregame on-court ceremony honoring Curry’s legacy and the raising of his No. 30 jersey to the rafters. The first 10,000 fans in attendance will receive a commemorative Dell Curry Topps collectible card. Tickets are available through Hornets.com.
Bobby Phills’ No. 13 jersey, retired in 2000, remains the only other retired number in Hornets history.
