Taj Gibson wants to return to the Bulls for an extended period – NBA News
Taj Gibson wants to be an integral part of the Chicago Bulls for a long time to come. Gibson has revealed that he wants to continue playing for the Bulls and is not even thinking of moving to another team.
Gibson is on his final year of contract and will be a free agent next season. However, he would love to sign an extended contact with the Bulls franchise that will see him playing in the red and white jersey for years to come.
“Really, it doesn't matter (when it happens). I told (general manager) Gar (Forman) and (vice president John Paxson) how committed I am to just being with the Bulls. It's not a thought in my head to leave Chicago because I love
playing for the Bulls” said Gibson to ESPNChicago.com on Thursday.
The Bulls have also said earlier that they plan on signing Gibson to an extended contract, which means only the details are now to be decided. Gibson knows that the Bulls are faced with some important decisions that need to be
made immediately, with the NBA Draft around the corner and the injury to star player Derrick Rose leaving their roster weak and depleted.
After finishing with the best record in the league for the second straight season, the Bulls lost in the first round of the playoffs to the Philadelphia 76ers.
Rose suffered an ACL injury to his left knee in game 1 of that series and did not play in the post season after that. He is scheduled to be out for 8 to 12 months. In his absence, the Bulls need to find a temporary replacement
at the guard position. They also will be looking to strengthen their roster in the off season after two failed attempts to reach the NBA Finals in two years.
Gibson also said that he has full trust in his agent Mark Bartelstein as well as the Bulls management and is not worried about the contract, while also acknowledging that the Bulls are currently preoccupied with other important
decision presently, not allowing them to finalize a deal with him.
His agent Bartelstein confirmed to ESPNChicago.com that he has had initial negotiations with the Bulls management regarding Gibson’s contract, but says that the deal will be finalized later in the summer. He too seemed confident
that the two parties will be able to work out an extension, and feels that Gibson’s future is with the Bulls.
Gibson is a solid bench player for the Bulls, who has given consistent performances in the regular season. He stepped a notch higher in the playoffs where he averaged 10 points and 7 rebounds against the Sixers. In the absence
of Rose and center Joakim Noah, he was one of the star players for the Bulls in that series.
Gibson just completed his third season in the NBA and already has the attention of the NBA. He has been included in the Team USA select squad, a group of upcoming and young players who will scrimmage with the USA Olympic team in
July before they leave for London to participate in the 2012 Olympics. Gibson says he is excited about the opportunity and will look forward to learning from players and improving his game.
"I'm excited. The coaching staff is real happy for me. They said it's a big move, especially being selected, it's great for my game. Especially to go in there and learn from other players, compete. But the whole outcome is just
to learn and build confidence,” said Gibson referring to his inclusion in the select squad.
Gibson is currently rehabbing from an injury to his right ankle suffered in the 1st round playoff series against the Sixers, but says he will be ready in time to travel to Las Vegas to take part in the practice sessions
of the select squad.
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