Draymond Green has been named the recipient of the 2024-25 NBA Hustle Award, a recognition that honors players whose impact goes beyond the typical statistics seen in the box score. This accolade is designed to spotlight those who contribute through grit, determination, and unselfish efforts that are crucial to a team’s success, even if they don’t always make headlines.
Green, known for his relentless energy, defensive prowess, and willingness to do the dirty work, perfectly embodies what the Hustle Award represents. Whether it’s diving for loose balls, setting hard screens, boxing out, making deflections, or taking charges, his contributions are the type that don’t always show up in traditional stat lines but are vital to winning basketball. These are the effort plays that often change the momentum of games and demonstrate a player’s commitment to team-first basketball.
Throughout the 2024-25 season, Green consistently displayed the hustle and heart that have made him a central figure in the Golden State Warriors’ success over the years. While other awards focus on scoring, assists, or rebounds, the Hustle Award takes into account stats like contested shots, deflections, loose balls recovered, and charges drawn—metrics where Green routinely excels. His impact is often felt more than it is seen, influencing games with his intensity, leadership, and high basketball IQ.
This is not the first time Green has been recognized for his intangibles and defensive capabilities. A former Defensive Player of the Year and multiple-time All-Defensive Team selection, Green has built a career on being the glue guy for his team—doing whatever is necessary to help them win. The Hustle Award simply reinforces that legacy, highlighting his continued willingness to give maximum effort, regardless of whether or not he gets the spotlight.
What makes the Hustle Award unique is its focus on qualities that every coach values but that often go unnoticed by the general public. It’s about players who sacrifice their bodies and stats for the greater good. Green’s leadership on and off the court, his vocal presence, and his ability to motivate teammates to match his energy are all key elements that contributed to his selection.
Winning this award further cements Draymond Green’s reputation as one of the NBA’s most dedicated and selfless competitors. In an era where highlight plays and individual scoring often dominate attention, the Hustle Award serves as a reminder of the importance of effort, teamwork, and doing the little things that lead to victories. Green’s latest honor is a testament to the value of those contributions—and a reflection of the respect he commands across the league for always putting the team above himself.
