Veteran NBA forward
Reflecting on his lengthy tenure in the league, Gibson shared a heartfelt message on social media to mark the transition. He expressed gratitude for the opportunities he received throughout his career, stating that he gave the game everything he had and appreciated every teammate, coach, and individual who supported him along the way.
A Return to Chicago Roots
Gibson’s association with the Bulls dates back to 2009 when the organization selected him in the NBA Draft. Over his initial eight-season stint in Chicago, he established himself as a reliable presence and a fan favorite, playing a key role during the team's most successful postseason campaigns in the post-Michael Jordan era. His connection to the franchise remained strong even after his departure, highlighted by his return to the city this past January to participate in the jersey retirement ceremony for former teammate Derrick Rose.
The transition into coaching began to take shape during the NBA Summer League in Las Vegas this past July, where discussions regarding a potential role on the staff first occurred. Gibson now joins a revamped coaching group under the leadership of new head coach
A Career Spanning Eight Franchises
Throughout his 17 seasons in the NBA, Gibson proved to be a durable and consistent contributor, recording career averages of 8.3 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 1.0 blocks per game. His professional path saw him represent eight different teams, including the Chicago Bulls, New York Knicks, Minnesota Timberwolves, Washington Wizards, Charlotte Hornets, Oklahoma City Thunder, Memphis Grizzlies, and Detroit Pistons.
Gibson’s final move as a player occurred just last week as part of a multi-player trade involving the Memphis Grizzlies and the New Orleans Pelicans. Following the transaction, which saw him moved alongside AJ Johnson in exchange for Jordan Hawkins, Micah Peavy, and draft considerations, Gibson was waived by the Pelicans. This development paved the way for his official retirement and his subsequent appointment to the Chicago Bulls' coaching staff.
