How a Brooklyn student became an NBA veteran and coach
In short: From the classrooms of Fort Greene to the hardwood of the NBA, Taj Gibson’s journey is defined by resilience. After a 17-year playing career spanning multiple franchises, the former power forward has transitioned from a high-energy defender to an assistant coach for the Chicago Bulls.
Born in Brooklyn on June 24, 1985, Taj Gibson’s path to professional basketball was anything but linear. He went to P.S. 67 Charles A. Dorsey School within Fort Greene; he later paid tribute to this link by being the sole NBA athlete besides one other to sport the number 67. His collegiate career at the University of Southern California saw him become one of the oldest freshmen in the country, entering the program at age 21 in 2007. He attended high school at the High School of Telecommunication Arts and Technology in Brooklyn. Later, he completed his secondary education at Calvary Christian in California.
Gibson entered the NBA via the 2009 draft, selected 26th overall by the Chicago Bulls. His rookie season was marked by immediate impact, earning him a spot on the NBA All-Rookie First Team. Throughout the following 17 years, he acted as an experienced veteran for various clubs, such as the Memphis Grizzlies, Charlotte Hornets, Detroit Pistons, Washington Wizards, New York Knicks, Minnesota Timberwolves, and Oklahoma City Thunder. While studying at USC, he joined the Phi Kappa Psi fraternity. He also earned a place on the Pac-10 All-Freshman team.
His longevity is evidenced by his milestone 1,000th NBA game, played on April 9, 2025, against the Toronto Raptors. Following a final stint with the Memphis Grizzlies and a brief period with the New Orleans Pelicans, Gibson announced his retirement from active play on September 14, 2026. He has since returned to the Chicago Bulls, not as a player, but as an assistant coach working alongside former teammate Tiago Splitter. His professional journey included stints with the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Oklahoma City Thunder. He also played for the Detroit Pistons and the Washington Wizards.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: Taj Gibson
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