Taj Gibson: A player profile
By Yams
The Oklahoma City Thunder finalized a trade with the Chicago Bulls, acquiring Doug McDermott and Taj Gibson. Here’s a quick rundown of what Taj Gibson has to offer.
A veteran presence and a true professional
In Taj Gibson, the Thunder now have a much-needed veteran presence in an extremely young and inexperienced roster. He can act as a mentor and help develop the young frontcourt players. Gibson has plenty of playoff experience under his belt as well, having been to the playoffs in six out of the seven years he spent in Chicago.
Gibson is what one calls a consummate professional. As overused as that word pairing is, it is true when it comes to the 31-year old. He has managed to work through the pain of grief and personal loss without sacrificing any of his duties.
This is what he had to say about his experience of getting through training camp after the murder of three of his childhood friends in Brooklyn back in 2010:
"“The whole training camp was hard because I’m thinking about my friends and at the same time you’re learning new plays and a new defense from Thibs and I would just forget it. I would forget every play,” Gibson said.“It was frustrating. At night, I couldn’t sleep. I’d wake up all teary-eyed knowing I won’t see them again and I was always like, ‘What if?’ What if I could’ve done something. Who knows? Just even call them and tell them to hang out with me in Chicago for a while. Something.”"
Gibson had also lost his grandfather to cancer, and his six-year-old cousin was murdered in 2014.
Through those rough times, he simply persevered. Gibson would simply show up to work everyday and give it his all no matter how things were.
Related Story: A Doug McDermott player profile
It’s the kind of attitude most players don’t have. It’s also the kind that every team needs in its locker room.
He fills an area of weakness on the roster
He’ll most likely be the starting power forward during his time here, considering that the power forward position in OKC is both lacking in terms of depth and is a major area of weakness. Thus far rookie Domantas Sabonis has been the starting power forward for the Thunder. And that’s purely out of necessity.
Sabonis, without a doubt, has a lot of talent and has been serviceable at times. However, he’s mostly been shaky and has slumped severely since Christmas. The 20-year old may have started on Friday against the Lakers, but that most likely marks the end of his run as a starter this season.
Taj Gibson’s defense
Gibson is well-reputed for his rim protection, strength and defensive capabilities. He ranks 12th in defensive real-plus minus amongst all NBA power forwards this season and players shoot 8.0% worse on shots within 6 feet of the rim when defended by him.
Having him start next to Steven Adams will strengthen the Thunder’s poor rim protection (as shown giving up 47.9 points in the paint per game, which is the second-worst mark in the NBA this season.)
This will definitely make other teams think twice about driving against the Thunder.
He can also be paired with Enes Kanter when Adams is off the court to compliment Kanter’s style of play as well as make up for Kanter’s defensive deficiencies.
What his average statline looks like
Taj’s numbers aren’t mind-blowing, but they’re pretty respectable. His per-game statline this season as of today stands at 11.6 points per game (on 51.9 FG%), 6.9 rebounds per game, 1.0 assists per game, 0.5 steals per game, and 0.9 blocks per game on 27.3 minutes a game.
What else does he bring to this team?
Taj can act as a post presence with his physical style of play and soft scoring touch.
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Fearless and more than willing to do the dirty work, he’s one to fight for every rebound and often acted as an enforcer for the Bulls. The Thunder have been in need of an enforcer ever since Kendrick Perkins got traded, and Gibson can fill that role pretty well.
And while his athleticism and rebounding ability don’t cover a need, this improves upon two major points of strength for the Oklahoma City Thunder.
What should be done with him after the season’s end?
Taj Gibson, as a two month rental, solves some of the Thunder’s issues for the time being.
However, he is an unrestricted free agent after the end of this season.
The Thunder do have his Bird Rights though. This gives them an opportunity to resign him without affecting their cap space. Sam Presti, therefore, should definitely consider resigning Gibson this offseason.