When Derrick Rose went down with a knee injury in the first game of the NBA playoffs, the Chicago Bulls knew that they would need players to step up big.
They lost in the first roundd to the Philadelphia 76ers, but Taj Gibson proved to be a solid player that could produce, if given an opportunity.
Now the Bulls have to decide if they want to sign Gibson to the team. Taj Gibson has expressed interest in staying with the Bulls.
Why wouldn't he?
It is no surprise that a player would want to ball in a historic NBA city like Chicago and the fact that he would be surrounded by players like Rose, Joakim Noah and Carlos Boozer, makes it a simple decision.
Another player would probably want time to start, but Gibson understands his role with the Bulls.
Gibson is payed just over a millon dollars every season. He comes off the bench and averages just over seven points a game.
During the postseason, he averaged close to 10 points a game and has the knack of staying around the rim, averaging about seven rebounds a game.
It is nothing compared to Rose's production, but when put on the spot, Gibson was able to chip in.
Gibson was a first round pick of the Denver Nuggets, 29th overall. He was then traded to the Oklahoma City Thunder, a team he probably would not mind playing for either.
He finally landed in Chicago when he was traded for Thabo Sefolosha, who has also shined in the playoffs.
The Bulls do not know when they will get Rose back from injury, but in the meantime, they can consider resigning Gibson as he showed he can play ball when he had his opportunity during the playoffs.
