NEW YORK, NEW YORK – FEBRUARY 06: Taj Gibson #67 of the New York Knicks points to the crowd after making a slam dunk during the second half against the Orlando Magic at Madison Square Garden on February 06, 2020 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
Taj Gibson is making his return to the New York Knicks after being waived before the start of the season.
The New York Knicks have become a watchable team under the leadership of head coach Tom Thibodeau in what can only be described as a 2021 miracle.
The team has won three straight games to improve to 5-3 on the year and is continuing to seek ways to get better. One such move was made Thursday, as Taj Gibson is making his return to the Knicks after being let go before the start of the season.
Taj Gibson back with Thibs
Gibson and Thibodeau have been a duo for nearly a decade. The two were together in Chicago from 2010-15, and Gibson signed with the Minnesota Timberwolves in 2017 to reunite with his former Bulls coach. Now the two are back together in New York.
Gibson spent the 2019 season with the Knicks and was let go before the start of the 2021 season. Perhaps actually having early success convinced the organization to bring back the 35-year-old. He already knows the team, so he should show up and not face any transitional period of having to learn too much.
The veteran forward has never been much of a scorer during his career. Instead, he averages over six rebounds per game and fits into the tough defensive style run by Thibodeau. So far this season, the Knicks rank third in the NBA in terms of points allowed per game. Maybe a change in coaching was far more important that bolstering the roster with stars all along.
The Knicks have beaten the Milwaukee Bucks this year and look like a legitimate playoff contender in the Eastern Conference with Julius Randle leading the way. Adding Gibson may be a sneaky move that makes Thibs’ Knicks even better on defense and in the standings.