As the NBA’s February 26 slate tipped off, the Memphis Grizzlies made a couple of roster moves.
First, the team cut ties with the veteran forward, Kyle Anderson. According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, the Grizzlies reached a buyout with Anderson, which will allow him to hit the free agency market.
Shortly after it was known the Grizzlies were moving on from Anderson, Charania reported that the team would fill the open roster spot with the veteran center, Taj Gibson.
Many fans were surprised by the move.
NBA Fans React To The Grizzlies’ Decision To Add Taj Gibson
GettyFormer Knicks center Taj Gibson is expected to join the rebuilding Memphis Grizzlies.
“We got Taj Gibson back in the league before GTA 6,” a fan wrote on Reddit.
Multiple fans thought that Gibson had retired.
“I would have swore he stopped playing like 6 years ago,” said another fan. “Tbh I thought he retired. Great guy I’ll always root for him,” another one added.
Gibson, a 40-year-old former first-round pick in 2009, has been in the league since then. His most recent run came with the Charlotte Hornets in 2024-2025.
While it was a quiet year for Gibson, he appeared in 37 games and even started 11 times. The veteran averaged 11.1 minutes on the court with a young Hornets team when he played last.
During an April 2025 game, Gibson logged his 1,000th game in the NBA.
After the 2024-2025 NBA season, Gibson’s contract expired. He hit the free agency market and waited a while for his next opportunity. In late February, he’s got one. For the third season in a row, Gibson will join a rebuilding team to add some veteran leadership down the stretch.
“I love Taj Gibson. Perfect locker room guy for a team with 0 culture,” said an NBA fan. “Why didn’t they just keep Kyle Anderson? I don’t understand. Anderson would be a valuable vet.”
What Does Taj Gibson Bring To The Table?
The role won’t change for Gibson. His greatest value at this stage is wisdom and leadership. The Grizzlies aren’t eliminated from playoff contention, but they certainly don’t seem to be truly in the hunt.
With the 11th seed in the Western Conference, the Grizzlies trail the Los Angeles Clippers by six games. Although the Clippers made some selling moves at the 2026 trade deadline, they could still win a playoff spot with a healthy Kawhi Leonard.
Gibson is unlikely to be an everyday rotational player. With his previous three teams, Gibson averaged under 12 minutes of action for each run. In 2023-2024, Gibson started the year with the New York Knicks. After getting waived in January 2024, he signed multiple 10-day contracts with them.
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In March 2024, Gibson signed with the Detroit Pistons. His first deal was a 10-day. His second counted for the remainder of the season. Although he spent a month with the team, Gibson saw the court for just four games.
During the 2024-2025 NBA season, Gibson played on a one-year deal, collecting a reported $3.3 million from the Hornets.
Gibson’s career continues in Memphis, Tennessee. The Grizzlies become his eighth team since he first entered the league. The veteran has had runs with the Chicago Bulls, Oklahoma City Thunder, Minnesota Timberwolves, New York Knicks, Detroit Pistons, and the Hornets.
Grizzlies Roster Move Sparks Shocked Reactions From NBA Fans