Positional Power Rankings: 30 best power forwards in the NBA
By John Buhler
Taj Gibson
Power Forward, Oklahoma City Thunder
Taj Gibson was one of the bigger names to be dealt at the NBA trade deadline. He and win Doug McDermott left the dysfunctional Chicago Bulls for a better organization in the Oklahoma City Thunder. Gibson may only be in Oklahoma City in the short-term, but he’ll be key in how far the Thunder go this spring in the Western Conference Playoffs.
Oklahoma City may have gotten a spot-up shooter and go-to scorer off the bench in McDermott, but Gibson gives the Thunder even more bite down low on both ends of the floor. Gibson is a throwback power forward that will get most of his buckets in the paint and crash the boards with great enthusiasm.
His work ethic and competitive edge makes Gibson a huge rotational frontcourt piece for the Thunder come playoff time. He will be upgrade over veteran Nick Collison down the stretch. Gibson can spot start at the four or the five should Domantas Sabonis and Steven Adams be unable to go.
To advance as the underdog in their first round series, Oklahoma City will have to play a variation of bully ball to squash its first round opponent, probably Houston or San Antonio. Gibson’s prime as an NBA player is winding down, but he is a power forward veteran every team would love to have in their rotation.