Taj Gibson reflects on rare milestone in Hornets' loss

In a season filled with injuries, reshuffling, and tough nights for the Charlotte Hornets, one quiet constant stood tall: 39-year-old center Taj Gibson, who suited up for his 1,000th career NBA game in a loss to the Toronto Raptors. That number puts him in rare air—just the 159th player in league history to reach the milestone.

Gibson, now in his 16th NBA season, has spent time with seven different franchises and built a career defined more by grit than headlines.

“This is being professional,” Gibson said postgame. “I grew up with the mindset of coming into the NBA and try to play every game possible. Try to lead by example, and don’t take anything for granted.” That mindset has carried him through over a decade of evolving roles—from starting playoff games in Chicago to mentoring rookies in Charlotte.

Gibson’s role in Charlotte this season hasn’t been about stats—he’s averaged just 2.9 points in 11.0 minutes—but rather about presence. “I went from being a young, springy guy just trying to find my way, and now, 16-17 years later, being an older vet trying to help guys like Moussa and Mark—young guys—try to develop,” he said. Forward Tre Mann has affectionately dubbed him “Unc,” a fitting nod to Gibson’s veteran wisdom and locker room leadership.

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Though the Hornets’ season has been one to forget, Gibson’s night was anything but. “Real emotional today because I understand—so many games played, but so many great memories of fighting and passion,” Gibson said. “That’s what the game is about—fighting, passion, and happiness.” Despite being less than a year younger than head coach Charles Lee, Gibson isn’t quite ready to hang it up.

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With free agency looming and Charlotte looking toward a rebuild, Gibson’s future with the Hornets is uncertain. But if there’s one thing the 1,000-game man has proven, it’s this: whether starting, mentoring, or just suiting up, Taj Gibson always shows up.

And that’s what being a pro is all about.

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