Taj Gibson's playing days are over.
On Monday, the 17-year NBA veteran, who has played for the Chicago Bulls, Oklahoma City Thunder, Minnesota Timberwolves, New York Knicks, Detroit Pistons, Charlotte Hornets and Memphis Grizzlies, announced that he was retiring at the age of 41.
Taj Gibson announces NBA retirement with new job confirmed
"Today is a very emotional day for me," Gibson wrote in an emotional social media post.
"After 17 seasons in the NBA, I can honestly say I gave this game everything I had.
"Basketball gave me the opportunity to live a dream. 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, IâÂÂm grateful for every moment, every teammate, every coach, and every person who believed in me.
"I wanted to be the guy my teammates could count on someone who brought toughness, energy, leadership, and heart every time I stepped on the court.
"To my family, my friends, my teammates, my coaches, my agent, the NBA , NBPA and the fans, thank you. You were all a part of this journey.
"But this isnâÂÂt goodbye to Basketball. ItâÂÂs the beginning of a new chapter.
"After 31 years of basketball, I can walk away with no regrets, knowing I left everything on the floor. God has truly blessed me.
"Thank you Basketball."
It comes after Gibson's release by the Pelicans last week, with his new job already confirmed.
He will join the Bulls' coaching staff as an assistant under head coach Tiago Splitter for the 2026-27 season.
Gibson joins Wes Unseld Jr., Blake Ahearn, Jamelle McMillan, Rex Kalamian and Jonah Herscu as SplitterâÂÂs assistants.
Gibson first made a name for himself with Bulls
Gibson, a 6-foot-9 forward, was drafted by Chicago in the 2009 NBA Draft and played his first seven seasons in the league there.
He established himself as one of the best backup power forwards in the league under head coach Tom Thibodeau for a team regularly competing near the top of the Eastern Conference and in the playoffs.
Gibson finished fifth in Rookie of the Year voting in 2010, fifth in Sixth Man of the Year voting in 2012, and had the best season of his career in 2013-14, where he finished runner-up to Jamal Crawford for Sixth Man of the Year.
He was traded to the Thunder in 2017, but didn't stay long and shortly after reunited with Coach Thibs in Minnesota.
It was with the Timberwolves where Gibson established himself as a gritty leader and reliable inside presence.
He signed a two-year, $20 million contract with the Knicks in 2019, the first of two different stints with the New York-based franchise.
Gibson served as a backup for most of his later years, serving as a dependable vet to decidedly younger teams, including the Wizards, Pistons, and Hornets
The 41-year-old Gibson averaged 8.3 points and 5.7 rebounds in 1,012 career games and will now switch his attention to a full-time coaching role with the Bulls.