Taj Gibson retires from the NBA after 17 seasons and returns to the Bulls as a coach

Taj Gibson has decided to end his NBA playing career after 17 seasons. The veteran power forward announced his retirement on Monday and did so with a practically immediate new role: he will return to the Chicago Bulls, the franchise that picked him in the 2009 draft, to join the coaching staff as an assistant coach.

Gibson confirmed his decision through social media, reflecting on nearly two decades in the league. "I can honestly say that I gave this sport everything I had. I am grateful for every moment, every teammate, every coach, and every person who believed in me," wrote the player.

The return to Chicago marks a particularly significant closure for Gibson. The player spent eight seasons with the Bulls after being selected by the franchise in 2009, and he became one of the fans' favorites during a time when the team had its best playoff appearances since the Michael Jordan dynasty in the 1990s.

Gibson was close to the franchise again this past January when he participated in the ceremony for Derrick Rose's jersey retirement. Months later, during the Summer League in Las Vegas, he spent time with the organization, and the possibility of him joining the coaching staff began to take shape.

Now that possibility has become a reality. Gibson will begin his coaching career as part of the assistant coaching team under the new Bulls head coach, Tiago Splitter. Wes Unseld Jr. will continue as an assistant, while Blake Ahearn, Jamelle McMillan, Rex Kalamian, and Jonah Herscu will also join the coaching staff alongside Gibson.

The new assistant for Chicago leaves the court after playing 17 seasons in the NBA, during which he defended the jerseys of eight franchises: Bulls, New York Knicks, Minnesota Timberwolves, Washington Wizards, Charlotte Hornets, Oklahoma City Thunder, Memphis Grizzlies, and Detroit Pistons.

Throughout his career, Gibson played hundreds of games as an interior player known for his defensive intensity, rebounding ability, and physical play. His NBA averages were 8.3 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 1.0 blocks per game.

His final chapter as a player ended in a particularly peculiar manner. Last week, he was part of a four-team trade after Memphis sent Gibson and AJ Johnson to the New Orleans Pelicans in exchange for Jordan Hawkins, Micah Peavy, a future second-round pick, and a swap of positions in a second round.

The Bulls, with a new coach

New Orleans decided to cut Gibson after the operation was completed. Just a few days later, the veteran announced his retirement and his joining the Bulls' coaching staff, the franchise where he began his professional career and to which he now returns to face a new chapter in basketball.

Thus ends a 17-year career as a player, but another adventure begins immediately for Taj Gibson within the NBA, this time from the bench and once again in Chicago.

This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Taj Gibson se retira de la NBA tras 17 temporadas y regresa a los Bulls como entrenador