Charlotte Hornets to retire Muggsy Bogues' No. 1 jersey

CHARLOTTE HORNETS

The Charlotte Hornets will retire Muggsy Bogues' No. 1 jersey on Feb. 7 at halftime of their game against Milwaukee. Bogues, an original Hornet, spent 10 years with the franchise.

Muggsy Bogues’ jersey is finally going to Spectrum Center’s rafters.

Bogues, the smallest player in NBA history at 5-3, will have his No. 1 jersey retired on Feb. 7 at halftime of the Hornets’ game against Milwaukee. Bogues will become the third player in franchise history to have his jersey retired, after Bobby Phills (No. 13) and Dell Curry (No. 30). Bogues and Curry are original Hornets and played together for 10 seasons.

“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 (Hornets owners) Rick [Schnall] and Gabe [Plotkin], 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.”

Bogues, who has spent more than 20 years with the organization as a player and team ambassador, was selected by Charlotte in the 1988 expansion draft. He quickly made his mark as one of the most accomplished players in franchise history, averaging 8.8 points, 8.8 assists and 1.7 steals over 632 games. He retired as the franchise leader in assists (5,557), assists per game (8.8), steals (1,067) and minutes played (19,768), and is among the top 10 in seasons played (tied for first), games (second), steals per game (fifth), field goals made (sixth), field goals attempted (eighth), and points (ninth). 

“Honoring the players who helped build this franchise is an important part of our commitment to Hornets history,” Schnall and Plotkin said. “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.”

Bogues finished in the top seven in the NBA in assists in six straight seasons (1989-95) and top 10 in steals (1989-90, 1991-92, 1992-93). His 10.7 assists per game in 1989–90 is the highest single-season average in team history and the only Hornet to average at least 10 assists in a season (1989–90 and 1993–94).

As the Hornets’ point guard, Bogues was the engine to three 50-plus win campaigns, including a franchise-best 54–28 in 1996–97, and four playoff appearances, including its first postseason series win in 1993. When he retired after 14 seasons, Bogues ranked 12th all-time with 6,726 career assists and his career 4.69 assist-to-turnover ratio is the best in NBA history among the top 100 all-time leaders.  

Bogues has remained a fixture in Charlotte after his playing days as a Hornets ambassador representing the Hornets and the NBA at community events around the world. He coached the WNBA Charlotte Sting (2005-2006) and United Faith Christian Academy (2011-14). 

Bogues’ foundation supports underserved youth and families through food assistance, access to education and workforce development with scholarships for people pursuing careers in skilled trades. 
 

Comments