This week, Taj Gibson began his new role as an assistant coach for the Chicago Bulls. He played for the team for seven seasons in his 17-year career, where he made the biggest impact.
Along the way, Gibson played alongside Joakim Noah, Jimmy Butler, and especially Derrick Rose.
Speaking of Rose, Gibson has forged a tight bond with him that goes beyond the court, per Bulls on CHSN.
âÂÂThat's my point guardâ¦this is my family,â Gibson said.
It was in 2009, when the Bulls drafted Gibson, that things began to take a turn. The year before, Chicago drafted Rose with the No. 1 pick. At the time, the Bulls were trying to cultivate a new identity ten years after the dynasty run ended.
Meanwhile, Chicago was relegated to the NBA doldrums, losing season after season.
With Rose, Gibson, Noah, and eventually Butler among others, things began to turn around. In 2011, Rose won the NBA MVP, and the Bulls made it to the Eastern Conference Finals. Four years later, they made it to the Eastern Conference Semifinals.
In six out of Gibson's eight years in Chicago, they made the postseason. After Gibson announced his retirement, Rose paid tribute in a video featuring other Bulls players, teammates, and personnel.
Meanwhile, Gibson is getting a kick out of practice, learning from the new players amid a highly anticipated rebuilding season.
In January, Chicago retired Rose's jersey. Gibson celebrated Rose's legacy at the time.
Through all these years and so many changes, that bond remains unbreakable.