Charlotte Hornets to retire Muggsy Bogues’ No. 1 jersey in February

The Charlotte Hornets announced on October 27 that they will retire Muggsy Bogues’ No. 1 jersey at halftime of their February 11, 2027, home game against Milwaukee, according to the Associated Press. The honor will make the former point guard the third Hornets player to have his jersey retired.

Bogues will join Bobby Phills, whose No. 13 was retired, and Dell Curry, whose No. 30 was retired. The ceremony is scheduled for the Hornets’ game against the Bucks; the jersey has yet to be raised.

Why Bogues matters to the Hornets

The Hornets made the playoffs four times during his Charlotte tenure, NBA.com reported. Bogues was part of the team’s first postseason series victory in 1993 and of three consecutive 50-win seasons, according to the AP. In 1993-94, he averaged 10.8 points, 10.1 assists, 4.1 rebounds and 1.7 steals per game; only John Stockton averaged more assists that season, NBA.com reported.

At 5 feet 3 inches, Bogues was the shortest player in NBA history. He averaged 7.7 points and 7.6 assists over his career, the AP reported. He played more games than all but eight other members of his 1987 draft class.

What Bogues and the Hornets said

Bogues said Charlotte had embraced him from the start and that the recognition meant a great deal to his family. Describing the moment when his jersey goes up, he said: ‘It’s going to be a surreal moment.’ NBA.com also quoted him describing the support he received from Hornets fans and teammates during his years with the team.

Hornets co-chairmen Rick Schnall and Gabe Plotkin said Bogues had been with the franchise ‘from the beginning’ and that his competitiveness made him a fan favorite. They also called him a role model for young people who might see their size as a limit on what they can achieve.