The Charlotte Hornets will retire Muggsy Bogues’ No. 1 jersey during a halftime ceremony on February 11, 2027, the team announced on Tuesday. Bogues, the shortest player in NBA history at 5-foot-3 (160 cm), will become the third Hornets player to receive the honor, joining Bobby Phills (No. 13) and Dell Curry (No. 30).
The franchise described the decision as recognition of Bogues’ 10 seasons with the team, his enduring impact on the organization, and his commitment to the Charlotte community. Bogues, selected 12th overall in the 1987 NBA Draft by the Washington Bullets, joined the Hornets in their inaugural 1988–89 season via the expansion draft and spent the bulk of his 14-year NBA career in Charlotte.
Key Career Highlights
- Franchise leader in assists (5,557), assists per game (8.8), steals (1,067), and minutes played (19,768).
- Averaged 8.8 points, 8.8 assists, and 2.9 rebounds per game during his 632 games with the Hornets.
- Played a pivotal role in the team’s early success, including three 50-win seasons and the franchise’s first playoff series victory in 1993, which advanced to the Eastern Conference semifinals.
- Selected one spot ahead of Reggie Miller (13th overall, Indiana Pacers) in the 1987 draft.
Bogues, who also played for the Golden State Warriors, Toronto Raptors, and Washington Bullets, reflected on the milestone in a statement provided by the Hornets. "Charlotte has been home to me and my family for so many years, and the support I’ve received from Hornets fans has meant everything to me," he said. "To have my number retired alongside Bobby and Dell is an incredible honor."
The Retirement Ceremony
The Hornets will host the Milwaukee Bucks during the event, which will take place at Spectrum Center in Charlotte. The team emphasized Bogues’ role as an "original member" of the franchise and his continued service as a player and ambassador for the organization.
Legacy and Impact
Beyond his statistical contributions, Bogues is widely regarded as a pioneer for undersized athletes in professional basketball. His quickness, defensive intensity, and court vision made him a fan favorite during his tenure, particularly during the Hornets’ rise as a competitive team in the 1990s. He played alongside stars like Larry Johnson and Alonzo Mourning, helping establish the franchise’s identity in its early years.
Bogues’ career spanned 14 seasons, during which he appeared in 632 games for Charlotte—more than any other player in franchise history at the time of his retirement. His jersey retirement marks the first such honor for a player who was not a high-volume scorer, highlighting the Hornets’ emphasis on versatility and leadership in their franchise history.
The Hornets’ decision follows a trend of teams honoring players who embodied cultural and competitive significance beyond traditional statistical benchmarks. Bogues’ retirement will join the ranks of other notable jersey retirements in the NBA, such as Moses Malone (76ers) and Bill Russell (Celtics), who were celebrated for their foundational roles in their respective franchises.