After 17 seasons on the court, Taj Gibson has chosen to retire from playing but will remain active in the NBA in a new role. He announced his retirement on social media and revealed that he will join the Chicago Bulls as an assistant coach, working under head coach Tiago Splitter.
Gibson expressed his desire to be a dependable teammate known for bringing toughness, energy, leadership, and heart in every game he played — qualities he consistently demonstrated throughout his career.
Selected by the Chicago Bulls in the first round of the 2009 NBA Draft, Gibson spent eight seasons with the team. He earned recognition by finishing fifth in Rookie of the Year voting and placing in the top 10 for Sixth Man of the Year three times, including a runner-up finish in 2014. During his time with Chicago, he averaged 9.4 points and 6.4 rebounds per game.
Following his tenure with the Bulls, Gibson played for several other teams including the New York Knicks, Minnesota Timberwolves, Washington Wizards, Charlotte Hornets, Oklahoma City Thunder, Memphis Grizzlies, and Detroit Pistons. This past summer, the Memphis Grizzlies traded him to the New Orleans Pelicans, who subsequently waived him.
Returning to Chicago, where he is highly respected, Gibson leaves a significant legacy. He ranks fifth all-time in blocks (695), sixth in offensive rebounds (1,336), tenth in defensive rebounds (2,250), tenth in games played (562), and twelfth in total rebounds (3,586) for the Bulls.
Known for his basketball intelligence and leadership qualities, Gibson is well-suited for coaching. Now, he will develop his coaching career under Tiago Splitter, a former NBA big man and current assistant coach.
Fan Take: Taj Gibson’s transition from player to coach is a meaningful moment for basketball fans, especially Bulls supporters who cherish his contributions on the court. His move highlights the growing trend of former players using their experience and smarts to shape the next generation, which can only strengthen the game’s future.
Source: sports.yahoo.com
