Diabaté Wins NBA Hustle Award

Diabaté Wins NBA Hustle Award originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Charlotte Hornets have a new reason to celebrate this season, as forward Moussa Diabaté was named the NBA’s Hustle Award winner, a recognition that highlights his impact beyond traditional scoring numbers.

Diabaté’s production reflects his energy-driven role. During the 2025–26 season, he averaged 5.6 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 0.9 assists per game while shooting 57.2% from the field in roughly 18.3 minutes per contest. His rebounding numbers particularly on the offensive glass helped create second-chance opportunities for Charlotte, while his efficiency showed his ability to capitalize around the rim.

However, the Hustle Award goes deeper than standard box score metrics. The NBA tracks nine hustle categories, and Diabaté excelled across several of them. He averaged 2.8 deflections per game, ranked near the top among forwards in loose balls recovered, and consistently contested both perimeter and interior shots. He also contributed significantly in screen assists, helping free up teammates for scoring opportunities.

Leads Charlotte Hornets in Effort Stats

Diabaté’s defensive presence stood out throughout the season. His ability to switch onto multiple positions, contest shots, and disrupt passing lanes made him a valuable asset in Charlotte’s rotation. While he may not lead the team in scoring, his contributions often changed possessions—and games—in subtle but meaningful ways.

The award itself is unique because it is determined by a statistical formula rather than voting. Metrics such as box outs, contested shots, deflections, and charges taken are all factored into the final rankings, emphasizing effort and consistency. Diabaté’s ability to consistently impact these areas set him apart from the rest of the league.