Taj Gibson Retires, Joins Bulls as Assistant Coach After 17 NBA Seasons

Taj Gibson has officially retired from professional basketball after a distinguished 17-year career in the NBA. Following his retirement announcement on social media, Gibson will take on a new role as an assistant coach with the Chicago Bulls, working under head coach Tiago Splitter.

Drafted in the first round by the Bulls in 2009, Gibson quickly became a valued player, known for his toughness and leadership on the court. He spent eight seasons in Chicago, where he averaged 9.4 points and 6.4 rebounds per game, finishing fifth in Rookie of the Year voting and earning top-10 finishes in the Sixth Man of the Year voting three times, including a second-place finish in 2014.

Gibson's career continued as he played for several teams, including stints with the New York Knicks, Minnesota Timberwolves, Washington Wizards, Charlotte Hornets, Oklahoma City Thunder, Memphis Grizzlies, and Detroit Pistons. Most recently, he was traded to the New Orleans Pelicans by the Grizzlies before being waived this summer.

Returning to the Bulls, Gibson is remembered fondly by fans and ranks among the franchise's all-time leaders in several statistical categories, including fifth in blocks, sixth in offensive rebounds, and tenth in both defensive rebounds and total rebounds.

With a keen basketball IQ and a coaching demeanor, Gibson is set to learn and grow in his new position, contributing to the Bulls' development as they move forward.