Stephen Curry’s Favorite Memory of His Dad’s Hornets Days
Stephen Curry may not have played for the Charlotte Hornets, but his connection to the franchise runs deep. His father, Dell Curry, a former Sixth Man of the Year, spent 10 seasons with the team and is widely regarded as one of the most influential players in its history. The Hornets recently honored Dell by retiring his No. 30 jersey, marking him as only the second player in franchise history to receive this distinction.
Dell’s time with the Hornets was instrumental in shaping the team’s identity during a pivotal era. As a key bench player, he provided consistent scoring and leadership, which helped the team grow from a struggling squad to a playoff contender. His legacy on the court has had a lasting impact on his son, Stephen, who often reflects on the moments that defined his father’s career.
One of the most memorable events in Hornets history came during the 1993 playoffs, when Alonzo Mourning hit a buzzer-beating jumper in Game 4 against the Boston Celtics. This dramatic moment not only secured a win for the Hornets but also became a defining moment in the franchise’s 36-season history. Steph recalls how his father was the first to celebrate, jumping on top of Mourning after the shot.
“Was it ’93 when y’all played Boston in the first round? You threw the inbound pass to Alonzo for the buzzer-beater. And he was the inbound man and the first one on the dog pile after Zo hit the buzzer-beater,” Steph shared.
“Zo’s on the ground, arms in the air, and then you see Pops come through. I just remember being in the arena and like the whole buzz around — pun intended — for the Hornets in Charlotte, just what that team meant.”
This moment remains a cherished memory for the Curry family and highlights the deep bond between Dell and the Hornets.
Beyond the court, the Curry family has experienced unique and sometimes unexpected moments tied to the team. One such story involves a 1998 playoff tradition where the Hornets players decided to shave their heads as a symbol of unity. However, Dell apparently forgot to inform his family about the plan, leading to a surprising and humorous reaction from his children.
“He ain’t tell anybody. So he went to practice one day looking a certain way, and then came back and he scared the crap out of my sister,” Steph recalled.
“To this day, I still remember like him walking in the house, and he just turned the corner and she (Sydel) like lost it. She was probably what, four or five at most.”
These personal stories illustrate the close-knit relationship between the Curry family and the Hornets, both on and off the court.
Dell continues to be an integral part of the franchise as a TV analyst, ensuring that his presence and influence remain a constant in the team’s narrative. With his jersey now hanging in the rafters, his contributions to the Hornets will never be forgotten.
The legacy of Dell Curry is not just about the points he scored or the games he played. It’s about the memories he created, the moments that brought fans together, and the foundation he laid for his son’s own journey in the NBA. The Hornets will always hold a special place in the Curry family’s heart, and their connection to the franchise is a testament to the enduring power of sports and family.
