In two months, on March 19, #30 of Dell Curry will join the ceiling of the Spectrum Center in Charlotte. While his two sons, Stephen and Seth, especially the first, have been shining on the courts for more than a decade, for one evening, it is their father who will have his moment of glory.
“He played 16 years in the league and it seemed crazy to me when I got to that level. I know it was the same for Seth.”repeats Stephen Curry, who has often spoken of the example of his father’s longevity in the NBA. “I’m in my 17th year, Seth is in his 13th and it’s crazy to have overshadowed him and have my brother thrown in for it. We are aware of what it takes not only to get to this level but to establish ourselves there, and create a legacy and longevity. »
“It means a lot to carry this legacy”adds Dell Curry’s other son. “We grew up watching him on the court but, more importantly, off the court with his foundation. He’s a good person. If he hadn’t had this character, nothing would have happened. So it shows that what we do in the locker room and away from the field is as important as what is done on the floor. »
The last player to wear #30 in Charlotte? Another Curry!
Having a jersey retired is always a great moment for a player. For Dell Curry and his children perhaps even more, because the Hornets franchise only has two: #13 of Bobby Phillsdied tragically in the middle of his career, in 2000, and the #6 of Bill Russelllike all other franchises. Dell Curry is therefore, in a way, the first “real” jersey retired from the franchise.
“It’s unique. Curry’s name in Charlotte is special. We call him the Originator because our family moved there for the Expansion Draft in 1988 and he was on the franchise’s first team and was the last original member to leave, being the leading scorer in franchise history, until Kemba Walker. Bobby Phills is on the ceiling for a reason, but for my dad to be the first athlete to be, it’s amazing. The manner too, since he has been part of the franchise since his retirement, as an ambassador and commentator”raconte Stephen Curry.
There is also, to conclude, one last anecdote surrounding this future event. Last season, Seth Curry played for the Hornets and he didn’t wear just any number: #30 like his father.
“The coolest thing was when I was told I would be the last one to wear number 30”says the shooter, since no one is wearing it this season in Charlotte and no one will be able to after March 19. “It’s quite a story to tell. »
