Muggsy Bogues' No. 1 Jersey to Be Retired by Charlotte Hornets
The 5-foot-3-inch point guard, the shortest player in NBA history, will be honored in February 2027.
The Charlotte Hornets will retire the No. 1 jersey of Muggsy Bogues, the shortest player in NBA history, on February 11, 2027. Bogues, who stands at 5 feet, 3 inches, played 10 seasons with the Hornets and is the franchise's all-time leader in assists and steals.
Bogues was an original member of the Hornets, selected in the 1988 NBA Expansion Draft. During his tenure, he recorded 5,557 assists, 8.8 assists per game, 1,067 steals, and played 19,768 minutes, all franchise records. He played 632 games for the team, averaging 8.8 points, 8.8 assists, and 2.9 rebounds.
He will be the third player in franchise history to have his jersey retired, joining Bobby Phills (No. 13) and Dell Curry (No. 30). The team cited Bogues' accomplishments on the court, his enduring impact on the organization, his service to the Charlotte community, and his contributions to basketball globally.
“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,” Bogues said in a statement. “To have my number retired alongside Bobby and Dell is an incredible honor. I’m grateful to Rick and Gabe, the organization, my teammates and coaches, and everyone who has been part of this journey. I can’t wait to share this night with my family and the fans who have been with us since the beginning.”
Hornets co-chairmen Rick Schnall and Gabe Plotkin stated, “Honoring the players who helped build this franchise is an important part of our commitment to Hornets history. Muggsy was here from the beginning and played with a heart, toughness and competitive spirit that made him a fan favorite. At 5-foot-3, he overcame obstacles throughout his career and proved he belonged among the best players in the world. He became a role model for generations, showing young people that their size doesn’t have to limit what they can achieve. His accomplishments on the court and commitment to Charlotte have made him a beloved part of this organization.”