Tony Delk is one of only three players to wear No. 00 for the Charlotte Hornets, drafted 16th overall in 1996. His tenure was brief, spanning parts of two seasons before a trade sent him to the Golden State Warriors. The current Hornets squad is building momentum, having won their last two games after a three-game skid, with their most recent victory a 110-96 win over the New York Knicks on April 12, 2026.
Who was Tony Delk for the Charlotte Hornets?
Tony Delk arrived in Charlotte as a highly-touted point guard from Kentucky. The Hornets selected him with the 16th overall pick in the 1996 NBA Draft. His rookie season saw him play a limited role off the bench. Delk averaged 5.1 points, 1.6 rebounds, and 1.6 assists in just 14.2 minutes per game. He also contributed 0.6 steals per contest. His shooting percentages and overall impact were typical for a young guard finding his footing in the league.
Why was Tony Delk traded from Charlotte?
Delk's time with the Hornets ended abruptly early in his second season. After appearing in just three games for the 1997-98 campaign, he was packaged in a significant trade. Charlotte sent Delk and franchise icon Muggsy Bogues to the Golden State Warriors. In return, the Hornets acquired veteran guard B.J. Armstrong. This move signaled a shift for the organization, trading a popular figure in Bogues and a recent draft pick for experienced backcourt help. Armstrong provided stability, but the trade is remembered for ending Bogues' long run with the team.
What did Tony Delk do after leaving the Hornets?
Tony Delk went on to have a solid 10-year NBA career after the trade. He played for six different teams following his stint with Golden State. Delk's career averages settled at 9.1 points, 2.5 rebounds, 1.9 assists, and 0.8 steals across 545 games. His best individual season came with the Phoenix Suns in 2000-01. That year, he averaged 12.3 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 2.0 assists per game. His performance was strong enough to earn him 10th place in the voting for the NBA's Sixth Man of the Year Award. He became a reliable scoring guard off the bench for several playoff teams.
How does this connect to the current Charlotte Hornets?
Jersey number history is a niche but popular topic for NBA fans. Delk's story with No. 00 is a specific chapter in the larger history of the Charlotte Hornets franchise. Only two other players have worn the double-zero for the team. Looking at the current standings, the modern Hornets are focused on building a new legacy. The team's recent form of two wins and three losses in their last five games, sequenced as two wins followed by three losses, shows they are capable of runs. You can track their progress and upcoming matchups on the team's schedule page. Understanding past players like Delk helps contextualize the franchise's long-term player development and transactional history.
