Charlotte Hornets forward Moussa Diabate has been named the winner of the NBA Hustle Award, the league announced on Tuesday. The award recognizes the player who best exemplifies the spirit of hustle through effort plays such as charges drawn, deflections, loose balls recovered, and screen assists.
Diabate, 23, averaged career highs in rebounds, steals, and minutes this season while starting 38 games. He ranked among the league leaders in hustle stats, including second in offensive rebounds per game and first in deflections among forwards. His relentless energy on both ends of the floor made him a fan favorite in Charlotte.
“It’s a tremendous honor to be recognized for the work I put in every night,” Diabate said in a statement. “I just try to bring energy and do whatever it takes to help my team win.”
The Hustle Award is voted on by NBA coaches, with statistics from the league’s tracking data playing a key role in the selection process. Diabate becomes the first Hornets player to receive the honor.