The Chicago Bulls are expected to make some move in NBA free agency but don’t count on any splashes. While they do have upwards of $23 million to spend, the expectation is they’ll use it looking for depth on their bench. They’re confident they’ve constructed a young core of starters they can roll with this season and beyond led by Zach Lavine, Lauri Markannen, and now #7 overall draft pick Coby White.
The question is how will they go about constructing the bench? One thing they may seek to target is help from an older veteran. Somebody who has been around the league for a long time and knows all the tricks of the trade. Somebody who can mentor this still very young group. To that end, one name has begun to surface on the rumor mill.
Taj Gibson.
That’s right. The former mainstay of the Bulls bench has been continuing to do the dirty work up in Minnesota. Darnell Mayberry of The Athletic and others seem to believe the 34-year old makes way too much sense for what the Bulls are seeking. Especially given how much the team brass loves him.
“This wouldn’t just be some feel-good reunion. Gibson still can help on the court. He was a reliable big for Minnesota the past two seasons, starting 139 of 152 games and averaging 11.5 points, 6.9 rebounds and 1.2 assists in 29 minutes per game.
Gibson could slide in behind Markkanen as the backup power forward and serve as the second-unit center in certain small-ball lineups. He would happily mentor Markkanen and teach Carter some tricks of the trade, while ensuring the Bulls won’t fall off a cliff when they take a seat.”
Chicago Bulls wouldn’t need Taj Gibson to be a savior
Keep in mind this wouldn’t be any sort of splash signing. The Bulls would likely be able to get him for cheap in order to fill a specific but important role on their roster. His work ethic and gritty mentality are things this group needs more of. He’d show them how to get it. Nevermind the fact he fits Bulls head coach Jim Boylen perfectly as well.
Never underestimate the value of adding an older, unheralded veteran to the mix. It can often have significant consequences. In 1990, the Bulls signed 30-year old forward Cliff Levingston from Atlanta to help fill out their bench. It was felt his intensity, experience, and toughness would do well in the playoffs against the rugged Eastern Conference.
They were right. Levingston came up with some big performances against Detroit in the Conference Finals and Los Angeles in the NBA Finals to help them win their first championship. Obviously this team isn’t where that one was, but it’s proof that there is always logic behind such a move.
