Draymond Green’s Hustle Earns Him NBA’s Coveted Award

Draymond Green’s Hustle Earns Him NBA’s Coveted Award

In the world of professional basketball, where the spotlight often shines brightest on those who score the most points or make the most dazzling plays, it’s refreshing to see recognition given to the unsung heroes of the game. This year, that recognition comes in the form of the NBA’s Hustle Award, and the recipient is none other than Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green.

Draymond Green, a player known for his tenacity and defensive prowess, had his sights set on being named the NBA’s Defensive Player of the Year this season. However, despite his best efforts, he fell short of that goal, finishing behind Dyson Daniels and the eventual winner, Evan Mobley. But as the saying goes, when one door closes, another opens. On Friday, Green was named the winner of the NBA’s Hustle Award for the 2024-25 season, a testament to his relentless work ethic and impact on the court.

Unlike most of the main awards handed out during this time of year, the Hustle Award isn’t determined by a vote. Instead, it’s compiled from a player’s rankings across nine statistical categories that highlight a player’s impact beyond the traditional box score. These categories include charges drawn, deflections, screen assists, contested 2-point shots and 3-point shots, offensive and defensive loose balls recovered, and offensive and defensive box outs.

Green’s performance in these categories was nothing short of impressive. He ranked in the top 15 in five of them: charges drawn, deflections, contested 2’s, 3’s, and defensive box outs. Moreover, the NBA noted that Green is the first player to rank inside the top 40 in all nine categories used to determine the winner. This achievement underscores his all-around contribution to the game and his ability to influence the outcome in ways that don’t always show up in the traditional stats.

Among the 143 players who were eligible for the award, Green ranked first. Eligibility was determined by playing in at least 58 games and averaging at least 24 minutes per game, with stats measured on a per-minute basis to ensure a level playing field. Finishing behind Green were Cason Wallace of the Oklahoma City Thunder, Guerschon Yabusele of the Philadelphia 76ers, Oklahoma City Thunder’s Luguentz Dort, and Dyson Daniels.

Green’s achievement places him in elite company. He is now the second player to have won both a Defensive Player of the Year award and the Hustle Award in his career, joining three-time hustle winner Marcus Smart. Last year’s award was claimed by Thunder guard Alex Caruso with the Chicago Bulls. Other previous winners include Smart, Thaddeus Young (2021), Montrezl Harrell (2020), Amir Johnson (2018), and Patrick Beverley (2017).

For fans of the game, Green’s recognition is a reminder of the importance of hustle and heart in basketball. It’s not always about the points on the board but the effort and determination that can change the course of a game. As the Warriors continue their quest for another championship, Green’s hustle will undoubtedly be a key factor in their success.

• Draymond Green: First in Hustle Award rankings
• Top 15 in five hustle categories
• First player to rank inside top 40 in all nine categories

As we celebrate Green’s achievement, it’s worth noting the broader impact of such awards. They shine a light on the players who do the dirty work, the ones who dive for loose balls, set hard screens, and contest every shot. These are the players who embody the spirit of the game, and their recognition is well-deserved.