22 Taj Gibson

#22 Taj Gibson

Name: Taj Gibson

Born: June 24, 1985 (Age: 25)

Years Pro: 3rd

Position: Power Forward/Center

Birth Place: Brooklyn, New York

College: USC

Height: 6’9″

Weight: 225 lbs

Acquired: 2009 NBA Draft – Rd. 1/Pick 26 by Chicago Bulls

Career Highlights: Taj Gibson played his college ball at the University of Southern California from 2006-2009 where his teammate was O.J. Mayo. Gibson was named to the All-Pac 10 Freshman team in 2007, being one of the oldest freshmen in the country at the time at the age of 21. Gibson decided to go pro in 2009 where he was drafted by the Bulls 26th overall.

In his first year with the Bulls Gibson impressed earning a spot on the All-Rookie First Team. His play weighed into Chicago’s decision to trade Tyrus Thomas to allow more minutes for Gibson.

The Bulls signed Carlos Boozer in 2011 meaning Gibson would take a back seat as a starter. However unlike his predecessor Tyrus Thomas, Gibson actually saw a lot of minutes throughout the 2011 season. Boozer broke his hand and missed the first 15 games of the season and not even a month later Joakim Noah had hand surgery which kept him out for 10 weeks. Gibson helped fill in for both these rolls as well as becoming a prime piece of the Bench Mob. He was highly coveted at the trade deadline in 2011.

Gibson helped the Bulls depth in their 2011 playoff run by shooting 56% from the field.