Tom Thibodeau Hints at Taj Gibson Returning to Knicks as Coach

Taj Gibson was cut by the New York Knicks over the weekend, but that doesn't mean he won't return to the team.

The New York Knicks released Taj Gibson on Sunday, ending his second tenure with the team after 10 games.  

Gibson, 38, averaged 1.4 points and 1.8 rebounds while helping shore up the Knicks' interior picture with Mitchell Robinson out. His release opens up a spot on the New York roster, giving them further flexibility as February's trade deadline approaches.

Though Gibson will no longer appear on the Knicks' roster, head coach Tom Thibodeau believes he still has a role on an NBA bench ... this time as a coach.

New York Knicks center Taj Gibson (67) controls the ball against Los Angeles Clippers guard Brandon Boston Jr. (4) during the second half at Crypto.com Arena / Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

"I still think he has a lot left in the tank, and when he’s done playing, he knows I’d love to have him as a coach," Thibodeau said via The Athletic's Fred Katz. "I think he’d be terrific."

Gibson played for the Knicks for three seasons (2019-22) and spent last season with the Washington Wizards. If anyone's familiar with what Thibodeau wants, it's Gibson: his first NBA days were spent alongside Thibodeau in Chicago (2009-17) and he later followed him to Minnesota (2017-19). With his familiarity playing under Thibodeau, Gibson can simply step right into a role on his coaching staff.

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It remains to be seen whether Gibson has played his final game in the NBA. It's safe to say that Gibson's prime is probably behind him but, despite his paltry outputs, Thibodeau believes he has enough left to play a few more.

"We always have a spot for him. It’s an open door," Thibodeau said, per Peter Botte of the New York Post. "We will see how everything unfolds going forward. I think he still has something left in the tank. I think he’s going to be a terrific coach when that time comes, as well. We’ll see how everything goes.”

Sans Gibson, the Knicks (22-15) will look to extend a five-game winning streak on Thursday in Dallas (8:30 p.m. ET, MSG).