Veteran NBA player Taj Gibson has concluded his illustrious 17-year playing career and is embarking on a new chapter with the Chicago Bulls. Following a career that saw him represent numerous teams, Gibson is returning to the franchise where his professional journey began, transitioning into an assistant coaching role under the leadership of newly appointed head coach Tiago Splitter. This strategic move aims to infuse the struggling Bulls with experienced leadership and a fresh perspective.
Taj Gibson's Return to Chicago: A New Chapter on the Sidelines
On Monday, September 14, 2026, Taj Gibson, a seasoned forward, publicly declared his retirement from the National Basketball Association after an impressive 17-season tenure. The announcement, shared across social media platforms, marked a poignant moment for the Brooklyn-born athlete. Gibson expressed profound gratitude for a career that allowed him to fulfill a childhood dream, emphasizing the unwavering support he received from teammates, coaches, and mentors from his early days in the Fort Greene Projects to his time at USC, and throughout his extensive NBA career.
Following his retirement, Gibson is poised to assume an assistant coaching position with the Chicago Bulls. This marks a significant homecoming for the player, as the Bulls were the team that initially drafted him as the 26th overall pick in the 2009 NBA Draft out of USC. During his initial seven-plus seasons in Chicago, Gibson distinguished himself, earning All-Rookie honors and finishing fifth in the Rookie of the Year standings. His dedication and performance were further recognized during the 2013-14 season when he was the runner-up for the Sixth Man of the Year award, averaging 13 points and 6.8 rebounds per game.
Gibson's career saw him play for a total of eight NBA franchises, including stints with the Oklahoma City Thunder, Minnesota Timberwolves, New York Knicks, Washington Wizards, Detroit Pistons, Charlotte Hornets, and most recently, the Memphis Grizzlies. In his final season, at the age of 40, Gibson made history by becoming one of only 35 players to appear in an NBA game while in their forties, playing in 10 contests for the Grizzlies. Just prior to his retirement, Gibson was involved in a trade that sent him to the New Orleans Pelicans, but he ultimately chose to retire rather than pursue an 18th season.
The appointment of Gibson to the coaching staff comes as part of a significant overhaul within the Bulls organization. Earlier this summer, Tiago Splitter was hired as the new head coach, replacing Billy Donovan, following the dismissal of general manager Marc Eversley and vice president of basketball operations Artūras Karnišovas. Splitter, who previously served as the interim head coach for the Portland Trail Blazers, led that team to the playoffs for the first time since 2021. Together, Splitter and Gibson face the daunting challenge of revitalizing a Bulls team that has struggled in recent years, making the playoffs only twice in the last 11 seasons and failing to win a playoff series since 2015.
Taj Gibson's transition from player to coach offers a promising development for the Chicago Bulls. His extensive playing experience, particularly his deep understanding of the Bulls' culture from his formative years in the league, positions him as a valuable asset to Tiago Splitter's coaching staff. This move represents not just a personal evolution for Gibson but also a strategic effort by the Bulls to inject a blend of seasoned wisdom and a fresh perspective into their coaching ranks, hoping to guide the team back to consistent success. His journey from a Brooklyn kid dreaming of basketball to an NBA veteran and now a coach embodies a dedication to the sport that will undoubtedly inspire and impact the next generation of players.
