The New York Knicks are turning to a familiar face to help them weather the absence of center Mitchell Robinson. According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, the Knicks agreed to a one-year contract with veteran Taj Gibson on Wednesday.
Gibson signed a one-year deal with the Washington Wizards in the offseason but was waived by the franchise before the 2023-24 campaign started. The 38-year-old player averaged 3.4 points and 1.4 rebounds last season.
In New York, Gibson will reunite with head coach Tom Thibodeau for the fourth time. The pair previously crossed paths at the Chicago Bulls, Minnesota Timberwolves, and the Knicks. Gibson’s previous stint with the Knicks lasted for three seasons and saw him average 5.3 points and 4.7 rebounds.
While Gibson is entering his twilight basketball years, it doesn’t come as a surprise that Thibodeau decided to bring him in. The Knicks head coach spoke numerous times about his appreciation for Gibson’s professionalism as well as his ability to be a leader in the locker room and on the floor.
However, the New York team will also require Gibson this time around to make some contributions on the floor as well. The Knicks lost Robinson to an ankle injury this week, and their starting center might be out for up to three months.
