Taj Gibson Is BACK—And His Biggest Bulls Impact Won’t Be Nostalgia 👀🐂 | Stopper Battle + Powell’s Role
21m | Sep 15, 2026Taj Gibson is officially back with the Chicago Bulls — but his return could matter far more than simply giving fans a familiar face on the coaching staff.
On today’s Chicago Bulls Central, Haize breaks down which young Bulls could benefit most from Gibson beginning his first NBA coaching job after a 17-year playing career that included more than 1,000 games. Gibson built his NBA longevity through physical defense, rebounding, screening, preparation and adapting to whatever role his team needed.
That makes Tobe Awaka an obvious potential pupil. Gibson can help the young big establish contact before rebounding, use leverage against taller centers, set better screens, defend without fouling and finish quickly around the basket.
But Taj’s influence could extend much further.
Caleb Wilson can learn how to handle NBA physicality while remaining productive without the ball. Matas Buzelis can take another step toward becoming a legitimate two-way star by improving his rebounding, positioning and physical defense. Leonard Miller can learn how to turn flashes of energy and athleticism into a defined NBA role. And Dailyn Swain and Jaylin Sellers can learn how to earn minutes through defense, cutting, rebounding and preparation even when their shots aren’t falling.
Haize also dives into how Norman Powell can remain a 20-point scorer without taking developmental touches away from Matas, Caleb and Josh Giddey. Instead of relying on isolation possessions, Chicago can use Powell as a moving weapon through pindowns, dribble handoffs with Nic Claxton, Spain pick-and-rolls, ghost screens and weak-side actions.
Finally, the Bulls may have an even more important training-camp battle than reserve scoring:
Who becomes Chicago’s perimeter stopper?
🔥 Topics include:
- Taj Gibson’s return to Chicago
- Tobe Awaka’s development
- Caleb Wilson’s physical growth
- Matas Buzelis becoming a two-way force
- Leonard Miller’s role
- Dailyn Swain and Jaylin Sellers earning minutes
- Nic Claxton’s leadership responsibilities
- Norman Powell’s offensive role
- Tiago Splitter’s movement offense
- Chicago’s training-camp stopper battle
- Isaac Okoro vs Dailyn Swain
- Who should guard the East’s best perimeter stars?
🎧 Tap in with Haize on Chicago Bulls Central for the full breakdown!
Podcast Links: https://linktr.ee/BullsCentralPod
Get at us:
Email: BullsCentralPod@gmail.com
Twitter:@BullsCentralPod
Phone: (773) 270-2799
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
