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"That was a nerve-wracking moment for me" - Taj Gibson opens up about emotional tribute to Derrick Rose
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- "That was a nerve-wracking moment for me" - Taj Gibson opens up about emotional tribute to Derrick Rose
Taj Gibson recently announced his official retirement from the NBA after 17 seasons. During his career, he built a reputation as one of the most reliable defenders and a locker-room voice. Turning into a journeyman lately, the 6'9″ forward enjoyed his greatest success with the Chicago Bulls , a franchise that had also drafted him as the 26th overall pick in 2009.
Part of the Derrick Rose era alongside Joakim Noah and Carlos Boozer, Gibson played a key role off the bench. In his eight years with the Bulls, Taj had his fair share of highs and lows, while forming lifelong bonds with some teammates that extended beyond the hardwood.
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One of them was finding a brother in D-Rose, who today holds a special place in Gibson's life, something that was evident during the former Bulls guard's recent jersey retirement ceremony as well. Delivering one of the most heartfelt speeches, he shared some insights into their friendship.
"Many, many nights, many, many foxholes, many, many scraps, he was right there with me. And he was that one comforting teammate that you always looked to the corner or you looked to the side, and he always say, 'I got you,'" said a visibly emotional Gibson during his speech at the United Center earlier this year in January.
In a recent interview with Chicago Sports Network, Gibson revisited the moment, describing the emotions he felt as he delivered the speech.
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What has D-Rose's presence meant to him
Since announcing his retirement from the NBA, Gibson has been actively engaging with the media, appearing on multiple interviews and podcasts. Discussing his career's key talking points, the run with D-Rose on the Bulls remains a popular choice.
Touching on his recent speech at Rose's jersey retirement ceremony, Gibson was asked to shed more light on it, and the 41-year-old was gracious enough to oblige yet again.
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"Be honest with you, that was a nerve-wracking moment for me cause I didn't understand how big of a moment it was and how special it was to be there," he continued. "I tell Derrick all the time, like, you always make sure I'm okay. You always check for me."
"You always send a kite to kind of bring me in. And that's my brother, man. Like, that's my point guard. Like I tell it in my speech, 'Whenever you see him, I'm right there. That screen is going to be there, and it's nothing going to change about that," shared Taj, who also addressed D-Rose as family.
This wasn't the first time Taj had gotten emotional about his bond with the youngest MVP in NBA history. Back in 2024, when D-Rose called it quits, Gibson said the announcement brought tears to his eyes and that he cried a lot .
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In the same boat now
Last seen with the Memphis Grizzlies, Gibson was recently traded to the New Orleans Pelicans, who subsequently waived him. Seen as a journeyman over the last couple of years, the veteran forward felt the time had finally come to hang up his boots.
Announcing his retirement, Gibson was seen receiving flowers from former teammates and peers, with close friend D-Rose paying homage to Taj's leadership.
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"Someone who was very close in the locker room and someone who is a winner at heart. The person who cared about everyone and his family," said Rose.
Joining the retired list of players, Gibson will also serve as an assistant coach on the Bulls under new head coach Tiago Splitter.
This story was originally published by Basketball Network on Oct 31, 2026, where it first appeared in the Off The Court section. Add Basketball Network as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
