Taj Gibson Retires After 17 Seasons, Joins Chicago Bulls as Assistant Coach

After 17 seasons in the NBA, Taj Gibson is retiring to join the Chicago Bulls as an assistant coach on Tiago Splitter's staff.

Taj Gibson announced his retirement from the NBA on Monday following a 17-year playing career. The longtime forward will immediately join the Chicago Bulls as an assistant coach, the team announced. Gibson concludes his time as a player with career averages of 8.3 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 1.0 blocks per game across 17 seasons.

Gibson spent eight seasons with the Bulls after the franchise drafted him in 2009. His professional career included stints with the New York Knicks, Minnesota Timberwolves, Washington Wizards, Charlotte Hornets, Oklahoma City Thunder, Memphis Grizzlies, and Detroit Pistons. Last week, the Memphis Grizzlies traded Gibson and AJ Johnson to the New Orleans Pelicans for Jordan Hawkins, Micah Peavy, a future second-round pick, and a second-round pick swap. The Pelicans subsequently waived Gibson, facilitating his move into coaching.

The veteran joins the staff of new Bulls head coach Tiago Splitter. The coaching group also includes returning assistant Wes Unseld Jr., alongside new additions Blake Ahearn, Jamelle McMillan, Rex Kalamian, and Jonah Herscu. The idea for Gibson to join the staff was first discussed in July during the NBA Summer League in Las Vegas.