The Charlotte Hornets will retire Muggsy Bogues’ jersey number
The Charlotte Hornets organization has made official an emotional tribute for one of the most iconic and beloved figures in its history. On February 11, 2027, the team will retire the number 1 jersey in honor of Tyrone “Muggsy” Bogues, the shortest player to ever step onto an NBA court at just 1.60 meters tall.
The jersey retirement ceremony will take place at the Spectrum Center during halftime of the matchup against the Milwaukee Bucks. In this way, Bogues will join the exclusive group of team legends whose numbers have been raised to the rafters of the arena, sharing this honor alongside Bobby Phills (number 13) and Dell Curry (number 30).
A historic trajectory in Charlotte
Muggsy Bogues not only left an indelible mark due to his height, but also for his exceptional talent on the court. After being selected 12th overall in the 1987 NBA Draft by the Washington Bullets, he joined the Hornets in 1988, during the league’s expansion season. During his ten years wearing the Charlotte jersey, the point guard solidified his legacy as the franchise’s all-time leader in assists and steals.
His impact on the game went beyond the numbers, becoming a symbol of perseverance and technical skill for an entire generation of basketball fans.
Legacy on and off the court
Throughout his 889 NBA games, Bogues averaged 7.7 points, 7.6 assists, and 2.6 rebounds per game, starting in more than half of his appearances. Under his leadership, the Hornets managed to qualify for the playoffs on three separate occasions. His professional career also included stints with the Golden State Warriors and the Toronto Raptors, concluding his active playing days in 2001.
Beyond his athletic performance, Bogues achieved cultural icon status thanks to his participation in iconic film productions such as Space Jam, where he shared the screen with Michael Jordan, as well as in the movies Eddie and Juwanna Mann.
