Taj Gibson is retiring from the NBA and joining the Chicago Bulls as an assistant coach, returning to the franchise that drafted him in 2009.
Gibson, 41, was traded to the New Orleans Pelicans and subsequently waived, making him a free agent. He visited with the Bulls at the Las Vegas Summer League before announcing his retirement via social media.
"Basketball gave me the opportunity to live a dream," Gibson wrote. "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."
The Bulls selected Gibson 26th overall in the 2009 NBA Draft. He played 562 games for the franchise over nearly eight seasons, averaging 9.4 points, 6.4 rebounds and 1.2 blocks per game.
Across his 17-year career, Gibson played 1,012 regular-season games for eight franchises, accumulating 8,431 points and 5,754 rebounds. He was known as a durable role player and influential veteran teammate.
Gibson joins head coach Tiago Splitter's staff.
