CHARLOTTE, N.C. (News Release) – The Charlotte Hornets announced today that the organization will retire Muggsy Bogues’ No. 1 jersey during a halftime ceremony at the team’s game against the Milwaukee Bucks on Thursday, February 11, 2027 at Spectrum Center. Bogues will become the third player in franchise history to have his jersey retired, joining Bobby Phills (No. 13) and Dell Curry (No. 30).
An original member of the Hornets, Bogues has spent more than 20 years with the organization as a player and ambassador. The honor recognizes his accomplishments during 10 seasons with the team and his enduring impact on the organization, his steadfast commitment and continued service to the Charlotte community and his contributions to the game of basketball around the globe.
Selected by Charlotte in the 1988 NBA Expansion Draft, Bogues established himself as one of the most accomplished and respected players in franchise history, playing in 632 games in 10 seasons (1988-89 – 1997-98) with the Hornets, averaging 8.8 points, 8.8 assists and 1.7 steals. He retired as the team’s all-time leader in assists (5,557), assists per game (8.8), steals (1,067) and minutes played (19,768), and continues to rank among the top 10 in numerous Hornets statistical categories, including seasons (tied for first), games (second), steals per game (fifth), field goals made (sixth), field goals attempted (eighth), and points (ninth). Bogues finished in the top seven in the NBA in assists in six-straight seasons (1989-95) and in the top 10 in steals in three of those seasons (1989-90, 1991-92, 1992-93). His 10.7 assists per game in 1989–90 remain the highest single-season average in team history. He is the only Hornets player to average at least 10 assists in a season, accomplishing the feat in 1989–90 and 1993–94.
“Honoring the players who helped build this franchise is an important part of our commitment to Hornets history,” said Hornets Co-Chairmen Rick Schnall and Gabe Plotkin. “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. We look forward to celebrating Muggsy with our fans and raising No. 1 to the rafters of Spectrum Center.”
“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,” said Bogues. “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.”
At 5-foot-3, Bogues is the shortest player in NBA history. A key contributor during some of the most successful seasons in franchise history, Bogues helped lead the Hornets to three 50-plus win campaigns, a franchise-best 54–28 record in 1996–97, and four playoff appearances, including its first postseason series victory in 1993. When he retired from the NBA after 14 seasons, Bogues ranked 12th all-time in NBA history with 6,726 career assists. His career 4.69 assist to turnover ratio still ranks as the best in NBA history among the top 100 all-time leaders in career assists.
Along with his significant achievements as a basketball player, Bogues made a lasting cultural impact on Charlotte and on the game of basketball. Alongside teammates Curry, Larry Johnson and Alonzo Mourning, Bogues helped introduce the Hornets to fans around the world during the franchise’s early years. The team’s purple and teal colors, pinstriped uniforms and merchandise, including the Hornets Starter jacket, became fixtures of the era. Bogues also appeared in the 1996 film Space Jam with Michael Jordan and other NBA players. He made a cameo appearance on an episode of Saturday Night Live hosted by fellow NBA player Charles Barkley on Sept. 25, 1993. He also released an autobiography titled In the Land of Giants in 1994.
After his playing career, Bogues returned to Charlotte where he has been a pillar of the community. Bogues continues to represent the Hornets at community events and fan activities throughout the Carolinas and serves as an NBA ambassador, promoting the league and the game of basketball across the globe. Following his playing career, he coached the WNBA’s Charlotte Sting (2005-2006) and United Faith Christian Academy boys basketball team (2011-14).
Through the Muggsy Bogues Family Foundation, he supports underserved youth and families to improve their quality of life through food assistance, access to education and workforce development. The foundation’s programs include its annual celebrity golf tournament, the Labor of Love food and resource giveaway serving Charlotte’s West Boulevard corridor and scholarships for individuals pursuing careers in skilled trades. In 2026, Bogues received the Urban League of Central Carolinas’ Whitney M. Young Jr. Award in recognition of his community leadership.
Born Tyrone Curtis Bogues in Baltimore, he earned the nickname “Muggsy” playing basketball on playgrounds in his youth. He attended Dunbar High School in Baltimore where he played alongside future NBA players David Wingate, Reggie Williams and Reggie Lewis; the team went a combined 50-0 across his junior and senior seasons and were ranked first in the nation by USA TODAY in 1982-83. He played collegiately at Wake Forest, earning All-ACC and All-ACC Tournament honors as he led the conference in assists and steals as a senior in 1986-87. He remains the program’s all-time leader in both assists (781) and steals (275). Wake Forest retired his No. 14 in 1987 and inducted him into its Sports Hall of Fame in 2001. In January 2020, Bogues was inducted into the North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame.
Fans are invited to join Bogues, his family and the Hornets organization to celebrate this historic jersey retirement on Thursday, February 11, 2027.
