In a heartfelt family moment, Steph Curry and his brother Seth Curry will travel to Charlotte to honor their father, Dell Curry, as the Charlotte Hornets retire his No. 30 jersey on March 19, 2024. This significant event follows the Warriors’ matchup against the Boston Celtics on March 18.
Reflecting on the occasion, Steph expressed his excitement, stating, “I’m looking forward to March, to show him some love.” Dell Curry, a beloved figure in Charlotte sports, played for the Hornets for a decade and has served as a television announcer for over ten years. He described the upcoming jersey retirement as a “dream come true.”
A Legacy in Charlotte Basketball
Dell Curry is often hailed as the face of the Hornets. He was part of the franchise’s inception when the team was established in 1988 and is remembered as the last original Hornet to leave. “The Curry name, and especially in Charlotte, we call him ‘The Originator’,” Steph noted. This honor places Dell alongside Bobby Phills as the only players to have their jerseys retired at the Spectrum Center.
“It means so much to me,” Dell told the Associated Press, reflecting on the recognition. “The game gave me so much; the fans gave me so much, and I want to stay involved just to give back what I can.” His commitment to the Hornets remains strong, as he will be present to announce the Warriors-Hornets game in the Bay prior to the retirement ceremony.
Today, Dell is known for his balanced commentary style on broadcasts, often complementing the energetic style of fellow announcer Eric Collins. Collins emphasized Dell’s impact, stating, “There’s not going to be another person who comes into that building, looks up to the rafters and sees No. 30 and doesn’t smile.”
Record-Setting Player
Dell Curry’s contributions to basketball extend beyond his broadcasting career. He is etched in the Hornets’ record books with the most games played (701), 2-point field goals made (3,022), and personal fouls (1,357) despite retiring in 1998. He also earned the NBA Sixth Man of the Year award in the 1993-94 season. Steve Kerr, head coach of the Golden State Warriors, praised Dell’s legacy, stating, “It’s important to recognize players who were hugely impactful to their franchise, even if they aren’t Hall of Famers.”
Kerr recalled competitive matchups against Dell during his playing days, highlighting the formidable nature of the Hornets during that era. “They were a really good team, and you knew who you were going against when you played the Hornets, and Dell was a huge part of that,” he remarked.
Recently, Dell had a touching moment during an impromptu interview at the Spectrum Center when a video announcing the jersey retirement played unexpectedly. This surprise brought tears to his eyes, which is a rare sight for the reserved former player. “It was pretty special, the way they surprised him,” Steph said, underscoring the emotional weight of the occasion.
As the ceremony approaches, Dell will have time to prepare his remarks for the crowd, which will include both of his sons. Steph confirmed their attendance, expressing excitement for the celebration of their father’s legacy. “Oh for sure, for sure,” he affirmed when asked about their plans for the event.
The retirement of Dell Curry’s jersey not only honors his individual achievements but also celebrates the family’s deep connection to the Hornets and the impact they have had on the community. As the ceremony draws near, anticipation builds for a touching tribute to a player who has left an indelible mark on basketball in Charlotte.
