Some partnerships in professional sports just never seem to end. Certain players and coaches seem inseparable. If they are away for a short period of time, they find ways to reconnect. Such is the case with former USC Trojan Taj Gibson and the man who has guided him for most of his NBA career. Yes, Gibson is returning to the New York Knicks, reuniting yet one more time with coach Tom Thibodeau.
The 38-year-old Gibson, a first-round pick in the 2009 draft, previously played for Thibodeau in Chicago and Minnesota. He has career averages of 8.7 points and 5.9 rebounds.
Gibson also played for the Knicks from 2019-22, helping them return to the postseason in 2021 after a seven-year absence. He then spent one season with the Washington Wizards.
With starting center Mitchell Robinson expected to miss at least eight to 10 weeks due to an ankle injury, New York was in the market for additional frontcourt depth. Gibson was an obvious candidate to fill that role, given his familiarity with Thibodeau and the Knicks, who highly value his leadership.
The former USC Trojan forward has appeared in 159 games over the course of the past three seasons.
Free agent F/C Taj Gibson is returning to the New York Knicks on a one-year deal, Mark Bartelstein of @PrioritySports tells ESPN. With Mitchell Robinson sidelined with an injury, Tom Thibodeau has back one of his favorites. Gibson’s played for Thibodeau with the Bulls, Wolves,… pic.twitter.com/TmVTe9G5wb
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) December 13, 2023
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