Taj Gibson Retires After 17 NBA Seasons, Joins Tiago Splitter’s Bulls Coaching Staff

Taj Gibson is returning to where his NBA career began, but this time his role with the Chicago Bulls will come from the sidelines.

The 41-year-old has joined new Bulls coach Tiago Splitter’s first coaching staff after announcing his retirement Monday, bringing an end to a 17-season playing career that included 1,012 NBA games.

“It’s the beginning of a new chapter,” Gibson posted on social media. “After 31 years of basketball, I can walk away with no regrets, knowing I left everything on the floor. God has truly blessed me.”

Chicago selected the 6-foot-9 forward in the first round of the 2009 NBA draft. Gibson spent his first seven-plus seasons with the Bulls before continuing his career around the league.

He went on to play for the Oklahoma City Thunder, Minnesota Timberwolves, New York Knicks, Detroit Pistons, Charlotte Hornets and Memphis Grizzlies. Over his NBA career, Gibson averaged 8.3 points and 5.7 rebounds per game.

His final move as a player came last week, when New Orleans acquired him in a trade with Memphis before waiving him.

Throughout his career, Gibson built his identity around qualities beyond scoring, emphasizing physical play, effort and his responsibilities to teammates. Those characteristics were also at the center of his retirement message.

“I wanted to be the guy my teammates could count on someone who brought toughness, energy, leadership, and heart every time I stepped on the court,” Gibson wrote in his retirement announcement.

His move into coaching now brings his career back to Chicago, the franchise that gave him his first NBA opportunity 17 years ago.

Splitter, who was hired by the Bulls in June, is assembling his staff ahead of his first season in charge. Gibson will work alongside assistant coaches Wes Unseld Jr., Blake Ahearn, Jamelle McMillan, Rex Kalamian and Jonah Herscu.

For Gibson, the appointment provides an immediate transition from playing to coaching. After more than three decades in basketball and a professional career that took him to eight NBA teams, he will begin the next stage of his career with the organization where his NBA journey started.