Curry Receives Key to the City of Charlotte from the Mayor’s Office & the Order of the Long Leaf Pine from the Governor’s Office; Franchise Legend Becomes Only the Second Player in Team History to Receive the Honor; Charlotte Celebrates Curry with a Spectrum Center Record Seventh Straight Sell Out

 

Dell Curry Jersey Retirement Ceremony | Full Ceremony

DC30 Night Gallery

March 19, 2026 – The Charlotte Hornets tonight retired the No. 30 jersey of franchise legend Dell Curry, honoring his extraordinary impact on the organization, the Charlotte community, and the game of basketball. Curry’s jersey was lifted into the rafters at Spectrum Center during a special halftime ceremony of the team’s game against the Orlando Magic, making him only the second player in franchise history to receive the distinction. 

Curry was joined at center court by his family – including his wife, Nicki; his three children, Stephen, Seth and Sydel; six of his grandchildren; and mother, Juanita – as well as Hornets Co‑Chairmen Rick Schnall and Gabe Plotkin, President of Business Operations Shelly Cayette‑Weston, and President of Basketball Operations Jeff Peterson. Before his jersey was officially raised, the halftime ceremony featured a video tribute highlighting Curry’s legacy, with messages from many of his former teammates, friends, and family members, as well as remarks by Schnall and Curry’s son, Seth. The halftime ceremony was emceed by Hornets television announcer and Curry’s broadcast partner Eric Collins.  

“Charlotte has been home to me, and shaped my life for more than three decades,” Curry said. “To see my number raised into the rafters, in front of the fans who have supported me from the very beginning, is an honor beyond anything I ever imagined. I’m grateful to my family, my teammates, the Hornets organization, and this incredible community for making this journey so meaningful.”

The Hornets hosted a private pregame reception attended by Curry’s family and close friends, former teammates, as well as North Carolina Governor Josh Stein, officials from the City of Charlotte and Hornets Sports & Entertainment leadership. During the event, Charlotte Mayor Pro Tem James Mitchell, on behalf of Mayor Vi Lyles, presented Curry with the Key to the City of Charlotte, and Governor Stein awarded him the Order of the Long Leaf Pine, one of North Carolina’s highest civilian honors. The Charlotte Hornets Foundation also announced a $20,000 donation to the Boys & Girls Club of America in Curry’s honor, benefiting clubs across North and South Carolina. The gift reflects both the organization’s ongoing commitment to creating meaningful impact across the Carolinas, and Curry’s long-standing personal connection to the organization.

Hornets Co‑Chairmen Rick Schnall and Gabe Plotkin spoke to his lasting influence. 

“Dell Curry is synonymous with the Charlotte Hornets, he truly epitomizes what it means to have Hornets DNA,” said Schnall and Plotkin. “Dell’s impact extends far beyond basketball. His excellence on the court, his continued leadership, and his deep connection to this community make him a foundational figure in our franchise’s history. Retiring his jersey is a tribute to everything he has meant – and continues to mean – to this city, this team and to the Carolinas.”

Curry, who has spent 27 years with the Hornets as a player, broadcaster, and ambassador, remains one of the most accomplished figures in franchise history. During his 10 seasons with the Hornets (1988–98), he retired as the team’s all‑time leader in games played (701), points (9,839), field goals made (3,951), and three‑point field goals made (929). Curry continues to rank among the top 10 in numerous Hornets statistical categories, including games (first), seasons (first), points (second), field goals made (second), field goals attempted (second), three-point field goals made (second), three-point field goal percentage (third), steals (fourth), free throw percentage (sixth) and free throws made (eighth).

Beyond his on-court accomplishments, Curry has remained a pillar of the Hornets organization and the Charlotte community. Following his playing career, he returned to the franchise and is in the midst of his 17^th season as the team’s television analyst, sharing his insight and passion for the game with fans across generations. In his role as a Hornets ambassador, Curry continues to represent the organization at community events and fan activations throughout the Carolinas.