Taj Gibson announced his retirement Monday after 17 seasons in the NBA and will immediately join the Chicago Bulls coaching staff as an assistant under new head coach Tiago Splitter.
Gibson wrote on social media that he can honestly say he gave the game everything he had and that he is grateful for every moment, every teammate, every coach and every person who believed in him.
Over 17 seasons with Chicago, New York, Minnesota, Washington, Charlotte, Oklahoma City, Memphis and Detroit, he averaged 8.3 points, 5.7 rebounds and 1.0 blocks per game.
His Chicago connection
Gibson spent eight of his 17 seasons with the Bulls after being drafted by the organization in 2009 and became a fan favorite during the team’s deepest postseason runs since the Michael Jordan dynasty of the 1990s. He returned to Chicago in January to participate in the ceremony for Derrick Rose’s jersey retirement.
The transition is a natural one. He spent time around the Bulls at Summer League in Las Vegas in July, when the idea of joining the staff was first discussed, and will rejoin the franchise to begin his coaching career.
The full coaching staff
Wes Unseld Jr. returns as an assistant. Blake Ahearn, Jamelle McMillan, Rex Kalamian, Jonah Herscu and Gibson join as new additions.
His final transaction
He was included in a four-player trade last week when the Memphis Grizzlies sent him and AJ Johnson to the New Orleans Pelicans in exchange for Jordan Hawkins, Micah Peavy, a future second-round pick and a second-round pick swap. New Orleans waived Gibson following the deal, and he announced his retirement Monday.
The career in perspective
Gibson was part of a Bulls team that represented one of the better periods of Chicago basketball in the post-Jordan era, reaching the Eastern Conference Finals in 2011. He was a reliable big man for much of his career, particularly known for his energy, rim protection and willingness to do the unglamorous work that winning teams require.
The transition follows a path many retired players take, and the Bulls‘ interest reflects both his basketball intelligence and his connection to the franchise.
