Hornets’ Moussa Diabate Earns 2025/26 NBA Hustle Award
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The NBA has named Charlotte Hornets center Moussa Diabate the recipient of the 2025/26 Hustle Award, recognizing the league’s top player in hustle-related statistics.
Unlike other postseason honors, the Hustle Award is determined by a statistical formula that tracks box-score-adjacent metrics such as loose balls recovered, box outs, contested shots and screen assists. The award debuted in 2017.
Standout hustle numbers
Among all qualified players this season, the 24-year-old led the league on a per-minute basis in offensive box outs. He also ranked fourth in screen assists, eighth in offensive loose balls recovered, 10th in contested two-point attempts, and 11th in both defensive box outs and contested three-point shots.
Key role in Charlotte’s turnaround
Diabate appeared in a career-high 73 games, starting 47, and logged 26.0 minutes per night—also a personal best. His consistent play at center helped stabilize a position that was in flux after offseason trades involving Mark Williams and Jusuf Nurkić. Charlotte improved from 19 wins in 2024/25 to 44 victories this season.
Final voting order
Atlanta Hawks guard Dyson Daniels finished second in the Hustle Award race. Last year’s winner, Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green, placed third. Memphis Grizzlies rookie Cedric Coward and New York Knicks swingman Josh Hart completed the top five.
Source: Hoops Rumors
