Finally, the Curry name with #30 is going into the rafters. While it is too early for Stephen Curry and his brother, they’re ecstatic nonetheless, because it’s their father, Dell, who’s getting this honor of a lifetime. The Charlotte Hornets are retiring a jersey for only the second time in franchise history, and the ceremony will take place on March 19, 2026, during the Hornets-Magic game. The Warriors will be off that day, so hopefully it’s a family reunion too.

Stephen Curry reshared the NBA clip on his Instagram Stories, highlighting the moment when the Hornets made the announcement in the arena. That understandably left Dell emotional and you can see him tearing up in the clip.

“The originator in the rafters forever!!!” Steph commented.

While the Splash Brother put the family on the map, Dell is indeed the originator of the Curry legacy, and that’s why Stephen also wears #30.

But if you look at it, Dell is literally the originator of the Hornets too. The Utah Jazz picked him in 1986, but he was left unprotected for a couple of years. The Hornets were the brand-new expansion team in 1988, who then selected their first-ever player, Wardell Stephen Curry Sr., that year. He remained with the franchise until 1998, a decade-long stint.

The announcement was especially meaningful for Dell’s children, who grew up in Charlotte during his tenure with the team. Seth last played here before signing with the Golden State Warriors this season.

Stephen Curry and the gang joined the Hornets to surprise his dad

The Hornets pulled a classic surprise, lured Dell Curry into a sit-down interview, and told him that they’re retiring his jersey number. The first Hornets player didn’t think he would ever get a jersey retirement. He was visibly happy to be wrong about that.

“I never imagined it would happen,” the 61-year-old said. “The game gave me so much, the fans gave me so much. I want to stay involved just to give back what I can and make this organization what it should be and give the fans, the team and the broadcast and the show that it’s fun, we’re having a great time, and come celebrate, come support. … Man, it would be an injustice to try to put into words what this means.”

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At the time of the interview, Curry was joined by Hornets staff and former teammate, Muggsy Bogues. But they also had to FaceTime his children to get their reactions in real-time.

“Pops, I just want to say congratulations on an honor that is beyond well-deserved,” Stephen Curry said. “That number 30 going in the rafters, that means something to our entire family, to the city, and I know to the organization. You are immortal in Hornets history and legacy, and I couldn’t be more proud to carry that 30 tradition myself, man. Congratulations, love you! It’s going in the rafters. The originator!”

Stephen Curry is obviously happy for his dad. But it means a little something more for Seth, who played a season in Charlotte while wearing #30 in 2024-25.

“The jersey going up in the rafters forever in Charlotte,” Seth said. “It’s a big deal. I’m happy for you and even more proud that I was the last one to be able to wear that Curry #30 on my back.”

Dell’s daughter, Sydell, also phoned in to give her congratulations.

“It is much deserved,” Sydell said. “You’ve done so much for the city of Charlotte and the Hornets, so it’s going to be great, and we can’t wait to be there for you to celebrate.”

Dell Curry will join Bobby Phills (No. 13) in the rafters.

Congratulations, Dell. You are a true legend.