The New York Knicks are once again welcoming back the familiar face of Taj Gibson, as the veteran center signs a 10-day contract, marking his third career stint with the team. This news comes straight from Mark Bartelstein of Priority Sports, and it’s stirring up excitement among fans and teammates alike.
Gibson, at 38, is no stranger to the hardwood of Madison Square Garden. His previous tenure with the Knicks this season saw him making 10 appearances off the bench, contributing with career lows of 1.4 points and 1.8 rebounds over an average of 9.7 minutes per game. Despite these numbers, his overall impact on the team goes beyond the stat sheet, with a total of 169 career games with New York over four seasons.
The Knicks, who are currently positioned with the 11th-shortest odds to win the championship according to multiple NBA betting sites, are looking to bolster their roster following injuries to key players. Starting center Mitchell Robinson’s left ankle injury, which is expected to sideline him for about three months, initially prompted the Knicks to bring Gibson into the fold seven weeks ago.
Gibson’s journey in the NBA is a testament to his resilience and adaptability. Selected 26th overall by the Chicago Bulls in the 2009 NBA Draft out of USC, the 6-foot-9 center has since made 449 starts in 955 career NBA games. His career averages stand at 8.7 points, 5.9 rebounds, 1.0 assist, 1.0 block, and 23.6 minutes per game, with a shooting accuracy of 51.8% from the field and 71.3% at the foul line.
After his initial run with the Bulls, Gibson spent time with the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Minnesota Timberwolves, before his first signing with the Knicks in July 2019. Following his release in July 2022, he joined the Washington Wizards for the 2022-23 season, only to be waived after signing a veteran minimum deal
Now, with the Knicks facing the absence of Julius Randle due to injury, Gibson’s signing couldn’t be more timely. The Knicks are in need of his veteran presence and the leadership qualities that coach Tom Thibodeau values highly. Thibodeau, who has worked with Gibson on three different franchises, appreciates Gibson’s ability to relay his messages to the rest of the roster.
Gibson’s return is not just about filling a gap in the roster; it’s about bringing back a player who embodies the spirit of New York basketball. His desire to pursue coaching after his playing career is over speaks volumes about his understanding of the game and his commitment to the sport.
The Knicks community is buzzing with the news of Gibson’s return. As he signs his fifth contract with the team, fans are eager to see the impact he will have over the next 10 days. Will this lead to a second 10-day contract or perhaps a deal for the rest of the season? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure: Taj Gibson is back in the Big Apple, and the Knicks faithful couldn’t be happier.
Welcome back, Taj Gibson, to the hustle and heart of New York basketball!
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Knicks re-sign veteran center Taj Gibson to a 10-day contract
