CHARLOTTE, N.C. (Diya TV) — The Charlotte Hornets will honor one of the most important figures in franchise history this spring. Dell Curry, the team’s longtime scoring leader and community presence, will have his No. 30 jersey retired on March 19 when the Hornets host the Orlando Magic. The ceremony will make Curry only the second player to receive a jersey retirement from the franchise, joining the late Bobby Phills. For Curry, the moment arrives years after he stopped expecting it to happen.
Curry said he never imagined his number would one day hang in the rafters. He believed the window for such recognition had passed. The announcement changed that belief and brought deep emotion.
He said the honor means everything to him. Curry credited the game, the fans, and the city for shaping his life. He added that Charlotte has always felt like home, both during his playing days and long after his retirement. The Hornets informed Curry of the decision through a staged interview meant to surprise him. The plan worked. Curry was visibly moved when he learned the news.
Dell Curry played 16 seasons in the NBA. Ten of those seasons came in Charlotte, from 1988 to 1998. The Hornets selected him in the 1988 expansion draft after brief stops in Utah and Cleveland.
Curry quickly became one of the faces of the new franchise. He provided steady scoring, leadership, and professionalism during the team’s formative years. He later played for Milwaukee and Toronto, but Charlotte remained central to his career. He ranks second in points in franchise history. He also won the NBA Sixth Man of the Year Award in the 1993–94 season. That year, he played a key role off the bench and helped define the award’s modern meaning.
Curry built his reputation as one of the league’s best shooters of his era. He averaged 11.7 points per game over his career and shot 40 percent from 3-point range. Those numbers stand out in a time when long-range shooting was less common. His shooting touch helped stretch defenses and open the floor. It also set an example for future generations, including his sons, Stephen and Seth Curry.
Curry is the father of Stephen Curry and Seth Curry, both NBA guards. Stephen has worn No. 30 for the Golden State Warriors throughout his career. Seth previously wore No. 30 in Charlotte but now wears No. 31. The number is no longer available with the Hornets.
Curry said the city still views his children as Charlotte kids. Fans watched them grow up and follow their own paths in sports and education. He said those connections make the city feel like home in a lasting way. Curry added that he never wants to leave Charlotte. His family continues to live in and around the area, strengthening those ties.
After retiring as a player, Curry stayed close to the Hornets. He now serves as a team ambassador and broadcaster. He is in his 17th season calling games for the team. Hornets co-chairmen Rick Schnall and Gabe Plotkin praised Curry’s impact on and off the court. They called him a cornerstone of the organization for more than 25 years. They highlighted his work ethic, professionalism, and commitment to excellence. They said Curry’s influence on the team, the fans, and the community made him a clear choice for the honor.
The March 19 jersey retirement ceremony will celebrate Curry’s playing career and his continued service to the Hornets. It will also mark a rare moment in franchise history, as only one other jersey hangs in the rafters. For Curry, the night will stand as recognition of decades of dedication. For the Hornets and their fans, it will serve as a reminder of a player who helped build the foundation of basketball in Charlotte.
