The New York Knicks have a big decision to make in regards to Taj Gibson.
Over the All-Star break, Gibson's second 10-day contract will expire, forcing the Knicks to decide whether they wish to part ways for good or sign him to the roster for the remainder of the season. Players can only be signed to two 10-day deals in a single season unless
Head coach Tom Thibodeau said after Wednesday night's game against the Orlando Magic that he wasn't sure exactly what route the Knicks would take when it came to Gibson.
“I don’t know," Thibodeau said. "That’s something that (president) Leon (Rose) and his staff will (decide) … We have some roster spots that are open, so I’m sure at some point we’ll discuss what our options are.”
Gibson, who has previously worked with Thibodeau in Chicago, Minnesota, and New York, has been on and off the Knicks' roster all season. He was originally signed in mid-December after Mitchell Robinson's ankle injury but was released less than a month later.
The 38-year-old Brooklyn native came back on Jan. 30 on consecutive 10-days and has been forced into an expanded role with Robinson, Isaiah Hartenstein, and Julius Randle all dealing with injuries, even pressed into a start last Saturday night against Indiana. Overall, Gibson is averaging a point 1.8 rebounds in 16 appearances this season (10.3 minutes a game).
The Knicks have space on their roster to keep Gibson for the rest of the year, but with the buyout market growing, perhaps New York would replace him with someone more effective looking for a new home.
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