He has already played with Thibs in six different seasons of his career with the Bulls and the Timberwolves.
Taj Gibson fondly recalled his time with the defensive guru in Chicago, expressing that Thibodeau’s approach to player development was exactly what he needed to grow into the player he became.
It is precisely that story and the level of camaraderie that will help him again this time around, both as a sort of player coach, and as an anchor of the New York defense baseline.
Perhaps just as important, Gibson also had a front row seat for the Thibodeau years in Minnesota, which are not viewed positively in league circles. However, it appears the veteran trainer was willing enough to come to terms with what he could have done better with the Wolves.
Gibson’s stats for next season are unlikely to be remembered in the annals of fantasy basketball lore, but his ability to understand the message Thibodeau intends to convey (though Thibs himself may not always present it accurately on his own) is worth its weight. in gold. Good translators are sought after in many aspects of life, and having a reliable one in a professional sports locker room doesn’t hurt either.
For that reason, it might make sense for the Knicks to bring Gibson back next season.