Taj Gibson Retires After 17 NBA Seasons, Joins Bulls Coaching Staff

Taj Gibson has officially retired from professional basketball after a distinguished 17-year career in the NBA. Following his retirement, Gibson is set to return to the Chicago Bulls, the team that drafted him in 2009, to serve as an assistant coach under new head coach Tiago Splitter.

In a heartfelt message shared on social media, Gibson reflected on his journey from Brooklyn to the NBA, expressing gratitude for the opportunities he received and the relationships he built throughout his career. He emphasized his commitment to being a reliable teammate and leader on the court, leaving the game with no regrets.

Gibson was selected by the Bulls as the 26th overall pick in the 2009 NBA Draft after a successful college career at USC. He quickly made an impact, earning All-Rookie honors and finishing fifth in the Rookie of the Year voting. Over his seven-plus seasons in Chicago, he became known for his toughness and was a finalist for the Sixth Man of the Year award during the 2013-14 season.

Later in his career, Gibson played for several teams, including the Oklahoma City Thunder, Minnesota Timberwolves, and Memphis Grizzlies, among others. He made headlines last season by becoming one of the few players to compete in the NBA at the age of 41, appearing in 10 games for the Grizzlies before deciding to retire.

As Gibson transitions into coaching, he and Splitter face the challenge of revitalizing the Bulls, who have struggled in recent years. The team finished last season with a 31-51 record and has only made the playoffs twice in the past 11 seasons, with their last series victory dating back to 2015. Gibson's experience and leadership will be crucial as the Bulls aim to improve their fortunes.