CHARLOTTE HORNETS


Dell Curry, who retired as the Charlotte Hornets’ all-time leading scorer with 9,839 points, will have his No. 30 jersey retired by the NBA team on March 19. His youngest son, Seth (right) wore the number with the Hornets from 2024-25.

Dell Curry’s jersey number will be enshrined in the Spectrum Center rafters.

The former Hornets guard turned broadcaster’s No. 30 will be officially retired on March 19, a decision the organization kept secret until releasing a video of the reveal. Curry’s reactions were authentic.

“I never expected it,” he said, “so, I just acted naturally. It means a lot. … Overwhelmed is a good word, but it is hard to put into words what this truly means. It’s not just a representation of me, but the fans, my family, my teammates and coaches. Everybody gets a piece of this.”

Curry spent 10 years with the Hornets as a player and 15 more as a broadcaster and team ambassador. During his playing days, Curry became one of the best Hornets in franchise history, retiring as the team’s leader in games played, points scored, field goals and three-pointers made. He still ranks in the top 10 in several statistical categories, including second in scoring with 9,839 points.

“As owners, we are committed to celebrating our Hornets legacy and recognizing those who helped build the foundation of this franchise,” Hornets co-chairs Rick Schnall and Gabe Plotkin said. “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.”

Curry’s 30 will join Bobby Phills’ 13 as the Hornets’ retired jersey numbers. Curry said he would always notice players’ retired numbers in the rafters at other arenas, but now he really pays added attention. To be one of them, it means a lot. 

Curry, who wore No. 30 in high school, didn’t wear it at the McDonald’s All-American game because it was unavailable, so he opted for 15. He planned on wearing 15 at Virginia Tech, too, but a senior teammate already had that number, so back to 30 it was. 

Curry’s son Stephen, a multi-time NBA champion and former MVP with the Golden State Warriors, also wears 30. Younger son Seth, Stephen’s Warriors teammate, wore the number with the Hornets in 2024-25 before transitioning to 31 in Golden State. There has been speculation for years that Stephen might close his career in Charlotte, and if that were to happen, Dell said he would gladly give the number to him.

“He asked me about that already,” the elder Curry said. “Yeah, we would take it down for that, no doubt.”

The retirement ceremony will be at halftime of the Hornets game against the Orlando Magic. Curry said as the day gets closer, he’s sure it will start feeling more surreal. 

“I’ve seen a lot of jersey ceremonies and I think, ‘What does that feel like,’” Curry said. “I know what it felt like when I was told this was going to happen, but I have no idea what it’s going to feel like when it actually does happen. I’ll try to stay as calm as I can, but it’s going to be a big moment for sure.”

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