Dell Curry’s No. 30 to the Rafters: A Hornets Legend Gets His Moment
Come March 19, the Curry family will be on a flight to Charlotte-but not for a game, and not for business. This trip is all about family and legacy.
Dell Curry, the original No. 30 in Charlotte, will finally see his jersey raised into the rafters of the Spectrum Center. For his sons, Steph and Seth, there was never a doubt they'd be there to witness it.
“I’m looking forward to March, to show him some love,” Steph said Thursday.
And why wouldn’t he? No player is more synonymous with the Charlotte Hornets than Dell Curry.
A foundational piece of the franchise from the moment it entered the league in 1988, Dell played a decade in teal and purple, becoming the face of the team during its formative years. Now, nearly 30 years after his last game in a Hornets uniform, he’ll become just the second player in franchise history-joining Bobby Phills-to have his number retired.
“Special, special, special,” Steph said, summing it up in a way only a proud son could. “The Curry name, and especially in Charlotte-we call him ‘The Originator.’
When the expansion draft happened, our family moved up there and set up shop. He was part of the original Hornets team, and he was the last original Hornet to leave.”
Dell’s impact on the Hornets wasn’t just about longevity-it was about identity. He was the steady hand, the reliable scorer, the veteran presence.
And after his playing days ended, he didn’t walk away. He’s spent over a decade as the team’s color commentator, bringing his calm, insightful voice to broadcasts alongside the energetic Eric Collins.
“I never imagined it would happen,” Dell said of the jersey retirement. “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.”
These days, fans may know him more as “Steph’s dad,” or the guy next to Collins calling Hornets games, but Dell’s playing résumé still speaks volumes. He remains the franchise’s all-time leader in games played (701), two-point field goals (3,022), and-yes-even personal fouls (1,357). He also took home the NBA’s Sixth Man of the Year award in 1993-94, a testament to his ability to come off the bench and change a game.
Warriors head coach Steve Kerr, who faced off against Dell in the '90s, didn’t hesitate to praise the move.
“I always like seeing when teams retire the numbers of players who were hugely impactful to their franchise, who maybe weren’t Hall of Famers, but obviously great players,” Kerr said. “Guys who meant so much to an organization, and Dell’s one of those.”
Kerr remembers those Hornets teams well-Dell, Larry Johnson, Muggsy Bogues, Alonzo Mourning. They were a problem, and Dell was right in the thick of it.
“They were a really good team, and you knew who you were going against when you played the Hornets,” Kerr said. “Dell was a huge part of that.”
The announcement of the jersey retirement came in the most fitting way possible-during a broadcast at the Spectrum Center. Dell was mid-interview with Collins and a few Hornets executives when the arena’s video board lit up with the news.
The surprise hit home. The moment got emotional.
“It’s rare you get to see that man share some tears, so it was pretty special, the way they surprised him,” Steph said.
The video included a heartfelt message from Steph, and the announcement wrapped with a statement from Hornets co-chairmen Rick Schnall and Gabe Plotkin:
“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.”
Collins, who’s shared the mic with Dell for years, has seen firsthand the respect Dell commands-not just in Charlotte, but across the league.
“He’s the reason I am who I am,” Collins said. “I don’t think there’s anyone in the league who is as respected as him-as a former player, a father, as a person who is connected to the league. He allows me to do my thing, and I think a lot of other people are like, ‘We’ll give this different guy a chance because they know Dell respects me.’”
As for Dell, he’s got a few weeks to figure out what he wants to say when he steps to the mic on March 19. But one thing’s for sure-his sons will be there, even if it means a tight turnaround after a Warriors game in Boston.
“Oh for sure, for sure,” Steph said when asked if he’d make it to the festivities.
Because some moments are bigger than basketball. And this one? It’s about honoring the man who helped build a franchise, raised a basketball family, and left a legacy that now hangs from the rafters.