Charlotte’s season turned on effort, and no player embodied that more than Moussa Diabaté. The Hornets forward has been recognized as the 2025‑26 Kia NBA Hustle Award recipient, a testament to his relentless energy and impact beyond the box score. Yankee Scores reports.
The Charlotte Hornets forward Moussa Diabate has been named the winner of the 2025-26 Kia Hustle Award.
The Hornets were just 9‑20 before Diabaté became a full‑time starter in late December. From that point on, Charlotte surged to a 35‑18 finish, ranking among the league’s best. Diabaté’s hustle plays, screens, box outs, contested shots, fueled the turnaround and helped the Hornets secure their first NCAA tournament win in school history.
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Hustle Award:
Diabaté’s Hustle Stats
The award is based on hustle metrics tracked by the NBA, and Diabaté ranked near the top in multiple categories:
- Offensive box outs per minute: 1st overall
- Screen assists per minute: 4th overall
- Contested 2‑point shots per minute: 10th overall
- Loose balls recovered on offense: 8th overall
His ability to defend guards, forwards, and centers made Charlotte a top‑five defense once he joined the starting lineup.
Career-Best Season
Diabaté posted career highs across the board: 7.9 points on 63% shooting, 8.7 rebounds, and nearly tripled his career double‑double total with 20. His numbers don’t fully capture the grit and selflessness that earned him the Hustle Award, but they highlight his growth in year four.
Building for the Future
The Hornets view Diabaté as a cornerstone of their foundation. His hustle not only lifted Charlotte into playoff contention but also set the tone for a team built on effort and resilience. For Diabaté, the award is recognition of the work that often goes unnoticed but wins games.
