Taj Gibson gets standing ovation during United Center return with Grizzlies

The Chicago Bulls performed host to the Memphis Grizzlies on Monday evening. It additionally marked the return of one of Chicago’s favorite players, Taj Gibson.

When he checked into the sport, Gibson acquired a heat welcome from the followers on the United Center, per RealMikeyBets on X, previously Twitter. Furthermore, Gibson, 40, mentioned he wasn’t sure he could come back to play, by KC Johnson of The Chicago Sports Network.

The final time Gibson was on the town was to bear witness for former teammate Derrick Rose’s jersey retirement ceremony on January 24 in opposition to the Boston Celtics.

Standing ovation for Taj Gibson in 2026. pic.twitter.com/SsLoUKSeFS

— MikeyBets (@RealMikeyBets) March 17, 2026

In February, Gibson signed a two-year contract with the Grizzlies after the Kyle Anderson buyout. On March 13, he made his debut, enjoying 13 minutes and scoring 3 factors because the Grizzlies misplaced to the Detroit Pistons 126-110. Last 12 months, Gibson performed for the Charlotte Hornets and, earlier than that, for the Pistons.

However, Gibson left his mark with the Bulls. He performed in Chicago from 2009 to 2017, popping out of USC. In 2010, Gibson made the NBA All-Rookie Team, and in 2014, he was the runner-up for Sixth Man of the Year.

Along the way in which, Gibson grew to become generally known as an efficient defensive presence, significantly in blocking. Plus, the Bulls made two playoff appearances during his tenure in 2011 and 2015. In 2011, they completed with a 62-20 report and reached the Eastern Conference Finals, the place they misplaced to the Miami Heat in 5 video games.

Four years later, the Bulls completed with a 50-32 report. Eventually, they might lose to the Cleveland Cavaliers in six video games within the Eastern Conference Semifinals.