Muggsy Bogues, the 5'3" point guard, was the first player to wear the No. 1 jersey for the Charlotte Hornets, establishing a legacy over ten consecutive seasons from 1988 to 1997. His tenure remains a foundational part of the franchise's identity, even as the current Hornets build their own history, coming off a 110-96 win over the New York Knicks on April 12, 2026.
Muggsy Bogues joined the Hornets via the 1988 NBA expansion draft after one season with the Washington Bullets. Selected with the sixth pick in that draft, he immediately became the face of the new franchise's backcourt. Bogues defied expectations with his size, using incredible speed and court vision to run the offense.
He appeared in 632 games for Charlotte, putting up consistent numbers. Bogues averaged 8.8 points, 8.8 assists, 2.9 rebounds, and 1.7 steals per game during his decade with the team. His playmaking was central to the Hornets' early competitive teams, helping them reach the playoffs in the 1992-93 and 1994-95 seasons.
Bogues' connection to Charlotte never faded, even after his trade to the Golden State Warriors for B.J. Armstrong. He finished his NBA career with two seasons for the Toronto Raptors, retiring after the 2000-01 campaign. But his impact in North Carolina extends beyond his stat line.
He remains actively involved in the community. As recently as August 2026, Bogues joined several current Hornets players at a community event hosted by Brandon Miller's foundation. This bridge between the franchise's past and its present roster is a powerful symbol. The Hornets' recent form shows a team finding its rhythm, with three wins in their last five games (WLLWW).
The current Hornets are writing their own chapters while the franchise celebrates its roots. Their recent 110-96 victory over the Knicks on April 12 was a solid team performance. It followed a tough 118-100 loss to the Detroit Pistons two days prior.
Looking at the last five games provides a snapshot of their consistency. After a 129-108 win over Indiana on April 3 and a 127-107 victory against Phoenix on April 2, they faced a 113-102 loss to Boston on April 8. They bounced back with a 122-108 win in Minnesota on April 5 before the split with Detroit and New York.
The jersey number history for the Hornets includes many players after Bogues' departure. The list includes names like Tony Delk, Robert Parish, and Spencer Hawes. More recent wearers include Theron Smith, Jeff McInnis, and Larry Hughes.
In the modern era, Bismack Biyombo, Briante Weber, and Miles Bridges have also worn the number. Each player added their own story to the jersey, but Bogues' legacy as the first and longest-tenured No. 1 stands apart. His story is one of perseverance and skill, proving that impact on an NBA court isn't measured in inches.
The Hornets' history is filled with characters, but few are as uniquely memorable as the shortest player ever to grace the league. His decade in Charlotte set a standard for loyalty and heart that fans still appreciate today, as the new generation works to add more wins to the franchise record.
