Taj Gibson, the seasoned power forward and beloved former Chicago Bull, is making a remarkable return to the NBA with the Charlotte Hornets at the age of 40. His journey through the league has been nothing short of inspiring, and now, he's back to add another chapter to his storied career.
Gibson's tenure with the Bulls from 2009 to 2017 was marked by consistent performance and resilience. Averaging 9.4 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks over eight seasons, he became a key figure in Chicago's lineup. His standout season came in 2013-14 when he played all 82 games, notching 13.0 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks per game, earning him the runner-up spot for the Sixth Man of the Year Award.
During his time with the Bulls, Gibson helped guide the team to six straight playoff appearances from 2010 to 2015. The pinnacle of this era was the 2010-11 season, where the Bulls reached the Eastern Conference Finals. Alongside Derrick Rose, Joakim Noah, Luol Deng, and Carlos Boozer, Gibson battled against the Miami Heat's formidable trio of LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, and Chris Bosh.
Before his NBA career, Gibson honed his skills at USC, playing a pivotal role in securing the Pac-10 Tournament title in 2009 and earning All Pac-10 Tournament Team honors. His college success led to the Bulls selecting him 26th overall in the 2009 NBA Draft.
Recently, Gibson was seen celebrating Derrick Rose's jersey retirement at the United Center, a testament to the lasting bond between the former teammates. Now, as he joins the Hornets, Gibson becomes one of the select few to play in the NBA past 40, marking his place in history as the 35th player to achieve this milestone.
It's a testament to Gibson's enduring passion for the game and his ability to inspire both on and off the court. Fans of the Hornets and basketball enthusiasts alike will surely be eager to see what this next chapter holds for the veteran forward.