Taj Gibson Season Review – The Glue Guy
What’s Next?
Based on what Taj Gibson said in his exit interview it sure seems like the forward would like to return. He loves the organization, fans and most importantly his teammates. Better still Gibson recognizes what needs to happen to take the next step.
“The goal is to try to come back here…It’s a great organization, a first class organization…Made me feel like I was home.”
“There’s a lot of talent. Some guys just need to mature a little bit more. With any young team, you’re gonna have your ups and downs.”
Perhaps most importantly, coming from the Bulls, Gibson experienced growing with a team as a youthful piece of that puzzle. That knowledge is invaluable for an OKC Thunder squad with so many youngsters, especially in the frontcourt. Sabonis, Adams, Jerami Grant, Enes Kanter and potentially Josh Huestis can all learn from Gibson’s knowledge and example both on and off the court.
Free Agent:
The elephant in the room is how much Gibson is willing to concede to return to OKC. His last contract was a 4-year, $33 million dollar deal. In this the last year of that contract Gibson earned $8.95 million.
Items which will no doubt factor into his new contract are plentiful. Knowing which Gibson prioritizes are the unknowns.
- In June Gibson turns 32 which is an age signifying the likelihood of this being his last contract, or at least one of significant value.
- Another question is what carries more weight for Gibson– winning a ring now, growing with a team he feels could contend with or placing more importance on money.
- Terms– do the number of years team offers factor into his decision? For example if Presti offers more years, but less per year could that help.
- Fit– how much does the fit he has with a team matter? He knows the Thunder now and likes his teammates, so does he want to chance starting over with a new team.
- Role– what his role is could factor, but based on the patience he’s consistently displayed over his career that doesn’t seem to be likely.
- Previous relationships: Could another team factor in the free agency sweepstakes based on an existing relationship. For example , would Gibson be lured to play alongside a previous teammate or coach (Thibs)?
- Money: at the end of the day few players will pass up the money, especially at this stage of their career. In Gibson’s case his demeanor is calm and logical. So, while he’ll look at money it won’t be the sole factor.
More from Thunderous Intentions
- Stealing one player from every Southwest Division team for the OKC Thunder
- Should the OKC Thunder chase after a disgruntled hometown hero?
- 3 OKC Thunder players who can step up in Aleksej Pokusevski’s absence
- Aleksej Pokusevski sidelined approximately 6 weeks with ankle injury
- Damian Lillard does not fit with the OKC Thunder
Ultimately the decision won’t be Gibson’s alone. What Sam Presti does with Russell Westbrook will dictate every other move. If Westbrook takes the designated veteran extension at it’s max level, available money is certainly far less. Other factors Presti needs to look at is having a veteran voice on the roster and the 2-way game Gibson offers.
Will Presti want to build on the success of his chemistry with the starting unit to see where it’s ceiling lies? Also effecting the Gibson negotiations will be what happens with Andre Roberson. Depending on whether Dre accepts an offer from another squad it could force OKC to match or decline. At this point it does seem unlikely Presti can keep both players, but stranger things have happened when it comes to Sam the Magician.
Thunder fans won’t know until July at the earliest, but here’s hoping the organization can find away to bring back the Glue Guy, Taj Gibson.