Detroit Pistons Center Will Stick Around Beyond Short-Term Deal
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With a 10-Day deal expiring, the Detroit Pistons have decided on their future with the veteran center Taj Gibson.
According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, the Pistons are signing Gibson to a rest-of-season contract following his 10-Day contract.
Ahead of the Pistons’ March 7 matchup against the Brooklyn Nets, Gibson officially joined Detroit on a tryout basis.
Since being with the team, Gibson suited up for five straight games. On the court, Gibson hasn’t had the chance to make an impact just yet, as he’s collected DNPs in each of the matchups against the Nets, Dallas Mavericks, Charlotte Hornets, Toronto Raptors, and the Miami Heat.
While Gibson hasn’t had a chance to produce on the court for the Pistons just yet, he was recently praised for the value he brought to the team as a seasoned veteran.
"It's a short time but he's given me a lot of confidence, always speaking to me,” said Pistons veteran center, James Wiseman. “Always telling me to play my game, play free out there, and play with a clear mind.”
In addition to Wiseman, Pistons head coach Monty Williams dished on the reason behind the Gibson addition recently.
“I just like having another veteran guy around our team,” Williams told reporters. "We look at Evan [Fournier] and how he’s had an impact on the floor and in some other areas. Taj is an example of how you handle your business on the court, it can pay dividends in other areas.”
Gibson has been in the league since 2009. After becoming a first-round pick out of USC to the Chicago Bulls, Gibson has had a steady role up until this season.
For eight seasons, Gibson had a role on the Bulls. After his run in Chicago, Gibson played for the Oklahoma City Thunder, Minnesota Timberwolves, Washington Wizards, and two different stints with the New York Knicks.
Prior to joining the Pistons this year, Gibson appeared in 16 games with the Knicks earlier this season. He averaged ten minutes on the court, while producing on 30 percent of his shots and averaging two rebounds per game. In mid February, Gibson’s short-term contract with the Knicks expired, making him a free agent.
Now, Gibson will wrap up the year with the rebuilding Pistons and the young Pistons.
