Dell Curry no longer questioned whether the Charlotte Hornets would retire his jersey number. After years of waiting, he was pleasantly surprised when the team announced that his iconic No. 30 will be retired during a ceremony on March 23, coinciding with a game against the Orlando Magic. Curry, who is also the father of NBA stars Stephen and Seth Curry, will be the second player to have his number retired by the Hornets, joining the late Bobby Phills.
“I never imagined it would happen,” Curry expressed. “It means so much to me. I do it because it’s what I love to do. The game gave me so much, the fans gave me so much, and I want to stay involved just to give back what I can and make this organization what it should be. It’s fun, we’re having a great time, and I want everyone to come celebrate and support.”
Curry had a notable 16-year NBA career, with a significant 10 of those years spent with the Hornets. He began his journey in the league with Utah, then moved to Cleveland, and ultimately became a key player for Charlotte after being selected in the expansion draft in 1988. He also played for the Milwaukee Bucks and Toronto Raptors but has always considered Charlotte his true home.
“Dell Curry has been a cornerstone of the Charlotte Hornets for more than 25 years — both on and off the court,” said Hornets Co-Chairmen Rick Schnall and Gabe Plotkin in an official statement. “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 earned the NBA’s Sixth Man of the Year Award in the 1993-94 season and leaves behind a legacy of averaging 11.7 points per game with a remarkable 40% shooting rate from three-point range. He has also served as a broadcaster for the Hornets for 17 seasons.
The announcement of his jersey retirement caught Curry off guard during a clever surprise interview organized by the team. Over the years, several players have worn the No. 30 jersey in Charlotte, including Joe Wolf, Troy Daniels, Nate Darling, and last season, Seth Curry, who now proudly dons No. 31 with the Hornets. Meanwhile, Stephen Curry continues to wear No. 30 with the Golden State Warriors, where both brothers now team up.
This recognition of Dell Curry is a moment of celebration for not just him but for the fans and the entire Charlotte community, marking a significant milestone in both his career and the Hornets’ history.