Muggsy Bogues' No. 1 jersey hangs in Charlotte rafters starting Feb. 11

The Charlotte Hornets will retire Muggsy Bogues' No. 1 jersey on Feb. 11, the team announced Tuesday. The decision cements the legacy of the shortest player in NBA history, who stands 5-foot-3. By raising his jersey to the rafters of the Spectrum Center, Bogues becomes the shortest player in league history to receive the distinction. Calvin Murphy, who played for the San Diego and Houston Rockets, previously held that specific record at 5-foot-9.

Bogues emerged as a star at Wake Forest before entering the professional ranks in 1987. The Washington Bullets selected him with the 12th overall pick in the draft. He began his career playing alongside Manute Bol, who measured 7-foot-7 and was the tallest player in the league at the time. Bol now shares that height record with Gheorghe Mureșan. The Bullets left Bogues unprotected in the 1988 expansion draft, allowing the new Charlotte franchise to select him before their first season.

The trade proved decisive for Charlotte. Bogues secured the starting point guard role during the 1989-90 season and held it through 1997. He never earned All-Star honors or averaged more than 11.1 points per game. However, he recorded double-digit assists in multiple seasons and remains the team's all-time leader in steals. The 1990s marked the Hornets' most successful period, driven by a core that included Larry Johnson and Alonzo Mourning. Those three players led Charlotte to multiple postseason appearances.

Beyond his on-court statistics, Bogues is well known for his cameo in the movie Space Jam. He was one of five active NBA players whose skills were taken by the MonStars to compete against Michael Jordan and the Looney Tunes. This film has kept his image in the public eye for decades. His presence in the movie serves as a cultural touchstone for fans who remember his playing days.

Bogues will be the third Hornets player to have his number retired. He joins Bobby Phills, who died in a car accident in 2000, and Dell Curry, who remains with the organization as a broadcaster. The ceremony on Feb. 11 will formally place his name and number in the arena's upper deck. This recognition aligns with the team's tradition of honoring players who defined its identity during the 1990s.

The announcement confirms the date and details of the ceremony. No other logistical information was provided by the team. Bogues' career with the Hornets spanned eight seasons, during which he established himself as a key defensive and offensive presence. His statistical legacy includes leading the franchise in steals, a record that stands decades after his final game.