Knicks: Predicting which potential free agents will return to New York

New York Knicks free agents: Taj Gibson

2019-20 Stats: 6.1 PPG, 4.3 RPG, 0.8 APG, 16.5 MPG, 58.4 FG%

Prediction: Re-signs with the Knicks on a cheaper deal

At age 34, Taj Gibson has certainly taken a step back from his days in Chicago.

Once regarded as one of the toughest big men in the league who provided quality rebounding, defense, and finishing, Taj transitioned into a mentorship role with the New York Knicks this season.

Although he started 56 of his 62 games with the team, Taj spent most of his time guiding and mentoring Knicks big man Mitchell Robinson as he continues to develop. He built a strong rapport with the 22 year old and embraces the role of being his mentor.

Taj Gibson had this to say about his relationship with Robinson in a report by the NY Post:

"“I work out with him every day,’ Gibson said. ‘Me and him go on the court and work out together, shoot foul shots together. I’m just trying to get him better.” “He works hard. He listens to me and understands what he needs to work on. Every day we challenge each other. I try to make him understand the game and learn. Because right now he’s just so talented, he’s just playing off pure talent.”"

Taj was inserted into the starting lineup when Mitchell Robinson struggled in the beginning of the season with injuries and foul trouble, but he always knew that he was keeping the spot warm for Robinson once coaches David Fizdale and Mike Miller deemed it time.

Surprisingly, Gibson remained a fixture in the starting lineup when Robinson started to get his foul trouble under control. Robinson ended up playing the bulk of the minutes at center, but he admitted that he was comfortable coming off the bench after a 22-point game vs the Blazers in January where he shot a perfect 11/11 from the field.

"“I want to keep it this way, too,’ Robinson said. ‘I like coming off the bench. I feel comfortable coming off the bench. I can get into the game better. I get right into it. I came off the bench for 11 of 11. It works for me.”"

Gibson’s strong relationship with Robinson gives the Knicks all the reason to keep him around. Mitchell Robinson is the future of the team and if he feels comfortable having Gibson as a mentor, there is no reason for the Knicks to let him go. It is rare for a player like Gibson to sacrifice a significant role and playing time for the nurturement of a young player.

Gibson is still productive and consistent at his age. Although his $9.45 million option this summer is steep, the Knicks would not be missing out on players like Christian Wood if they accept.

If the salary cap does plunge drastically, the Knicks could decline Gibson’s option and bring him back on a cheaper deal.

His role as a veteran is important to the Knicks, and if Tom Thibdoeau is the coach of the team next season, you better believe he wants one of his key guys in Chicago and Minnesota to be there.