Mar 12, 2025; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Charlotte Hornets forward Taj Gibson (67) warms up on the court before the game against the Atlanta Hawks at State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mady Mertens-Imagn Images
Mar 12, 2025; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Charlotte Hornets forward Taj Gibson (67) warms up on the court before the game against the Atlanta Hawks at State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mady Mertens-Imagn Images
The 2026-27 season will mark the beginning of a new campaign and new opportunities for several players looking to make a name for themselves in the NBA. Unfortunately, for many others, the 2026 offseason marked the end of a significant chapter in their professional careers.
Several prominent NBA players retired this summer, with Chris Paul and Russell Westbrook emerging as the most noteworthy figures. Now, veteran big man Taj Gibson has also chosen to retire from the game after spending 17 years in the NBA.
Taj Gibson announced his retirement with a heartfelt message to the fans and the NBA community on social media. He shared:
“Today is a very emotional day for me. After 17 seasons in the NBA, I can honestly say I gave this game everything I had. Basketball gave me the opportunity to live a dream. As a kid from Brooklyn, NY, I was lucky to get a chance to display my talent on the biggest stage. From Fort Greene Projects to USC, to the Chicago Bulls, and every team and city that came after, I’m grateful for every moment, every teammate, every coach, and every person who believed in me.”
“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. To my family, my friends, my teammates, my coaches, my agent, the NBA, the NBPA, and the fans, thank you. You were all a part of this journey. But this isn’t goodbye to Basketball. It’s the beginning of a new chapter. After 31 years of basketball, I can walk away with no regrets, knowing I left everything on the floor. God has truly blessed me. Thank you, Basketball.”
Taj Gibson represented several teams over the course of his NBA career, including the Chicago Bulls (eight seasons), Minnesota Timberwolves (two seasons), and the New York Knicks (three seasons). Although he had essentially become a journeyman by the end of his career, the 41-year-old clearly left a lasting impression on the fans, as many poured in with kind messages in response to the news of his retirement.
Here are some of the fan reactions on X:
“Pelicans legend!” commented one user.
“Thank you, my Brooklyn brother. Class act and one of my favorite Knicks, and I’ve been a fan since 1969. You are a champion. Thanks again,” added another.
“Thank you, Taj, for providing memories to me about the Bulls I’ll keep for my whole life. Your poster dunk over Dwyane Wade may have been the coolest moment to me as a Bulls fan during that run in the 2010s,” shared one fan.
“Chicago Bull for life! #TajGibson,” said another.
“Congrats on an amazing career, Taj. You will always be one of my favorite Bulls,” added another fan.
“Dude, we all loved watching you play in Chicago and are so excited for you to start your journey here again,” stated another user.
“Once a Knick, always a Knick. Thank you, Taj,” replied one user.
“Salute, Taj Gibson. From Walt Whitman to Bed-Stuy, Brooklyn, and beyond,” mentioned another.
“Nice, like brown rice! They need to study your longevity,” commented one hyped user.
“Good luck in your new chapter, GOAT,” exclaimed another.
Although he barely received playing time in the last few years of his career, Taj Gibson is retiring with a solid career average of 8.3 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 1.0 blocks per game. These are solid figures for someone who is widely considered a consummate and impactful role player.
The early years of Taj Gibson’s career, primarily his tenure with the Chicago Bulls, could be considered the high point of his career. In comparison, however, Gibson’s exit is quite poignant.
After being traded by the New Orleans Pelicans as part of a deal with the Memphis Grizzlies, Taj Gibson was promptly waived by the Pelicans. In many ways, this mirrors Chris Paul’s exit from the NBA, but the outlook for Gibson seems much more positive.
Reports indicate that Taj Gibson is set to join Tiago Splitter’s coaching staff on the Chicago Bulls. Hence, with the veteran big man returning to Chicago, Gibson will hope to be an influential figure in the locker room as the Bulls continue their rebuild.