Muggsy Bogues to Have Jersey Retired by Hornets, Holds Record as Shortest Player in NBA History

The Charlotte Hornets are set to honor one of the most beloved players in franchise history later this year.

ESPN's Shams Charania reported Tuesday that on Feb. 11, the Hornets will retire the No. 1 jersey for former point guard Muggsy Bogues, who holds the record as the shortest player in NBA history at 5'3" and remains Charlotte's franchise leader in assists, steals and minutes.

The Hornets' decision to retire Bogues' jersey comes after their offseason trade that sent star point guard LaMelo Ball to the Minnesota Timberwolves. Ball had worn the No. 1 jersey since being selected with the third overall pick in the 2020 NBA draft.

The walking embodiment of "heart over height," Bogues spent 10 of his 14 NBA seasons in Charlotte. The Hornets selected him in the 1988 expansion draft, and he helped lead the team from mediocrity to playoff contention. After four straight seasons with fewer than 40 wins, Bogues helped lead Charlotte to three postseason appearances over the next five years, with two 50-win seasons in that span.

When Bogues was traded away in 1997, he was one of two players remaining from the original 1988 Hornets team, along with Dell Curry. He will now join Curry (No. 30) and Bobby Phills (No. 13) as the only players to have their jerseys retired in Charlotte.

Bogues helped pave the way for small guards to excel in the NBA. Players like Hall of Famer Allen Iverson and Golden State Warriors star Stephen Curry followed in his footsteps and overcame their height limitations to achieve success.

This year's Hornets team has started the season with a 3-1 record, fueling optimism that it can emerge as a playoff contender. Bogues' upcoming jersey retirment will add to the positive vibes in Charlotte as the franchise turns the corner in its rebuild.