In breaking news, the New York Knicks have signed 38-year-old big man and NBA veteran Taj Gibson to a 10-day contract.
The Knicks waived Gibson earlier this month after signing him to a one-year deal in December. This, as per The Athletic’s Fred Katz, needed to happen to give the Knicks more roster flexibility as Gibson’s contract would have become guaranteed otherwise. Gibson also played for the Knicks from 2019-2022.
This move reunites with him head coach Tom Thibodeau. Thibodeau coached Gibson during their time together with the Chicago Bulls and Minnesota Timberwolves in addition to Gibson’s multiple stints with the Knicks.
In 10 games played this season with the Knicks, Gibson is averaging 1.4 points and 1.8 rebounds over 9.7 minutes per game.
The Knicks signing Gibson comes just a few days after news broke that star forward Julius Randle will likely miss multiple weeks with a shoulder injury. Currently, the 30-17 Knicks own the No. 4 seed in the Eastern Conference. Additionally, the team has won seven straight games and eight of their last 10 contests.
NBA News: New York Knicks Reunite With Former Forward
What Will Taj Gibson’s Role Be With the Knicks?
Earlier in his career, Gibson was a very important piece in Thibodeau’s system. However, in 2024, the same cannot be said for the USC alum.
Back in December, Gibson made it clear he was not going to have a major role with the Knicks. Instead, the veteran was expecting to be the best teammate he could be and do what was asked of him:
“I’m just here to be supportive. Not trying to take anybody’s shine,” Gibson said via Stefan Bondy of The New York Post. “I’m just here to be a great teammate. If my number is called, I’ll be ready, play hard. Just do what I have to do. That’s why I’m here.”
With Randle’s injury, Gibson may play a bigger role than he did the last time he played for the Knicks. However, it is more likely the Knicks will utilize backups Precious Achiuwa and Jericho Sims in the meantime. Gibson will be a reliable big man in a system he is familiar with. That said, it is easy to imagine the Knicks signed him for nothing more than adding depth to the frontcourt.
The Last Word on Gibson
Gibson’s best days are behind him. Sure, Gibson was never an All-Star. However, he has always been reliable, and it is obvious he has Thibodeau’s respect. After the Knicks waived Gibson earlier in January, Thibodeau gave his thoughts on Gibson:
“I still think he has a lot left in the tank, and when he’s done playing, he knows I’d love to have him as a coach,” Thibodeau said via The Athletic’s Fred Katz. “I think he’d be terrific.”
“We always have a spot for him. It’s an open door,” Thibodeau said, per Peter Botte of the New York Post. “We will see how everything unfolds going forward. I think he still has something left in the tank. I think he’s going to be a terrific coach when that time comes, as well. We’ll see how everything goes.”
Though he may not be a household name, Gibson has respect within the Knicks organization. It should be interesting to see how he does in his new stint with the team.
