Charlotte Hornets to retire No. 1 jersey of Muggsy Bogues, shortest player in NBA history
The Charlotte Hornets have announced that they will retire the No. 1 jersey of Muggsy Bogues, the shortest player in NBA history at 5 feet 3 inches. The ceremony will take place on February 11, 2027, the team announced on Wednesday.
Bogues will become the third player in franchise history to have his jersey retired. He will join Bobby Phills, whose No. 13 was retired, and Dell Curry, whose No. 30 was retired.
In a statement, the Hornets said Bogues was an original member of the team and has spent more than 20 years with the organization as a player and ambassador. The statement said the honor recognizes his accomplishments during 10 seasons with the team, his commitment and continued service to the Charlotte community, and his contributions to basketball around the globe.
Bogues was selected by the Hornets in the 1988 NBA Expansion Draft and emerged as a cornerstone of the franchise. He is the franchise's all-time leader in assists with 5,557, assists per game at 8.8, steals with 1,067 and minutes played with 19,768.
Bogues played 632 games over 10 seasons with the Hornets. In that span he averaged 8.8 points, 8.8 assists and 2.9 rebounds per game.
Bogues said in the statement that Charlotte has been home to him and his family for so many years and that the support he has received from Hornets fans has meant everything to him. He said having his number retired alongside Bobby and Dell was an incredible honor and that he was grateful to Rick and Gabe, the organization, his teammates and coaches, and everyone who has been part of the journey.
Hornets co-chairmen Rick Schnall and Gabe Plotkin said honoring the players who helped build the franchise is an important part of their commitment to Hornets history. They said Bogues was there from the beginning and played with heart, toughness and competitive spirit that made him a fan favorite, and that at 5-foot-3 he proved size does not have to limit what someone can achieve.
