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The topic of jersey retirements always ignites passionate debate among Charlotte Hornets supporters. Some believe the organization should honor more players, while others contend that the franchise's history doesn't merit additional retirements.
Currently, three numbers hang from the rafters at the Spectrum Center, with one of those being universally retired across the entire league.
No. 6: Bill Russell's Universal Honor
Bill Russell's No. 6 was retired league-wide in 2022, a tribute to a player whose impact transcends his on-court achievements. Though Russell had long since retired before the Hornets were established, his legacy remains a cornerstone of NBA history. The late Boston Celtics center won 11 NBA championships and five MVP awards, in addition to two NCAA titles and an Olympic gold medal. But Russell's significance extends far beyond his statistics. Playing during the 1960s, he confronted racism and prejudice head-on in every arena, never backing down. He was the first Black player drafted by the Celtics and later became the NBA's first Black head coach. In 2011, he received the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
No. 13: Bobby Phills' Tragic Legacy
Before Russell's number was retired league-wide, Bobby Phills' No. 13 stood alone in the rafters of both the Charlotte Coliseum and the Spectrum Center. Michael Jordan once called Phills the toughest defender he ever faced, a testament to his defensive prowess. However, Phills' story is marked by tragedy. He died in a car accident in 2000, and shortly thereafter, the Hornets retired his number. When the team relocated to New Orleans, the number remained retired, and when the Hornets name returned to Charlotte in 2014, a second retirement ceremony was held to honor Phills' memory.
No. 30: Dell Curry's Sharpshooting Legacy
While some may argue Dell Curry was never a franchise player, his impact on the Hornets and Charlotte basketball is undeniable. Known for his three-point shooting, Curry was one of the team's most reliable players during his tenure. He won the Sixth Man of the Year award in 1994 and spent ten seasons in Charlotte before departing for Milwaukee in 1998. When he left, he was the last remaining player from the original Hornets team and the franchise's all-time leading scorer. His jersey was retired just last season, and today, Curry remains a familiar presence, calling games for the Hornets' local broadcasts.
Mike Lacett, an award-winning veteran sports journalist with over two decades of experience covering college and professional sports, also boasts the largest collection of NBA jerseys in the Southeast. He resides in Charlotte, NC, with his family. Follow him at @mikelacett.