Taj Gibson had surgery on his left ankle in June after reportedly playing through a torn ligament in the ankle during the playoffs. Gibson struggled with ankle issues all season last year as he also sprained the ankle three times but was finally able to clear it up a few months ago. Gibson is hoping that he will be cleared for training camp but it seems very possible that he is not cleared, according to K.C. Johnson of the Chicago Tribune.
Gibson wants to get back on the floor as soon as possible so that he can compete with his teammates but he also realizes that the doctors have his best interest in mind and patience may be the best option right now.
"The doctors said with more reps and running, it will get stronger. I'm in good shape. The doctor told me I'm ahead of schedule. But he doesn't want me to rush," said Gibson.
Even though Gibson may not participate in the beginning of training camp he should be back for the start of the season where he will likely resume his role as the first big man off the bench for the Chicago Bulls. There was talk earlier this offseason about whether the Bulls might change up their starting lineup and not start Joakim Noah and Pau Gasol together which would put Gibson in the conversation as a potential starter. If the Bulls were looking to make a lineup change Nikola Mirotic would likely be the more likely option to start at the power forward spot than Gibson under new head coach Fred Hoiberg.
Last season the 30 year old Gibson averaged 10.3 points and 6.4 rebounds in 27.3 minutes per game. Gibson is extremely valuable to the Bulls coming off the bench as an energetic big man who can score and rebound very well. Gibson may excel in the new system too as Hoiberg will likely look to push the pace a little bit more as opposed to Tom Thibodeau's more deliberate style of offense. Gibson seems optimistic about his recovery and although he may be held back in training camp that is likely the wise decision to ensure he is as healthy as possible when the regular season starts.
