Watch Hornets’ LaMelo Ball give Moussa Diabate the NBA Hustle Award trophy

The Charlotte Hornets had a season to remember. They came close to ending their nine-year drought in the playoffs after making it to the Play-In Tournament. Unfortunately, they fell short by one game.

Still, there were plenty of positives from their campaign. The core of LaMelo Ball, Kon Knueppel, Brandon Miller, Miles Bridges, and Moussa Diabate was quite formidable, and the Hornets could wreak havoc in the coming years.

Diabate, in particular, was a revelation. He had a slow start, but he eventually earned the starting nod and averaged career-highs of 7.9 points, 63.1% field goals, 8.7 rebounds, and 1.0 blocks in his second year in Charlotte.

He anchored the Hornets’ defense with his tenacity, motor, and toughness. He fully embraced his role, and good things usually happen when a player does that.

The NBA named him the recipient of the Hustle Award, and Ball surprised Diabate with the trophy during their practice, as shown in the video posted by the Hornets on X.

“Mousa! The Moose is loose!” said Ball, referencing Diabate’s nickname.

“Appreciate it, brother. Appreciate it, gang,” replied Diabate.

melo surprised moussa with his @Kia nba hustle player of the year award! pic.twitter.com/ftvL2jcwPb

— Charlotte Hornets (@hornets) May 20, 2026

The 24-year-old center became the eighth player to receive the Hustle Award, which was first given in 2017, joining Patrick Beverley, Amir Johnson, Marcus Smart (three-time winner), Montrezl Harrell, Thaddeus Young, Alex Caruso, and Draymond Green.

According to the NBA, it is given to a player who “best utilizes hustle to help their teams win on a nightly basis.” The annual award uses a metric to track loose-ball dives, charges taken, deflections, screens set, and shot contests, among others.

Diabate signed a three-year contract with the Hornets in 2025.

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