"Just saw Thibs fall to his knees" - Knicks fans hilariously react to Taj Gibson signing $3.3 million deal with Charlotte Hornets

The Charlotte Hornets signed veteran big man Taj Gibson to a one-year, $3.3 million deal to serve as a mentor for their young roster. New York Knicks fans hilariously reacted to the news, and some even made fun of how coach Tom Thibodeau might react.

According to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski, the Hornets brought in the 39-year-old Gibson not as a role player off the bench but as a mentor. The USC product has been in the league since 2009 and has plenty of experience. Charlotte's roster has young players like LaMelo Ball, Brandon Miller, Mark Williams and Nick Smith Jr.

The move was approved by Hornets general manager Jeff Peterson and newly appointed coach Charles Lee. Gibson spent most of his career with the Chicago Bulls and has been coached by Thibs for the better part of it. He also played under Thibs in Minnesota and New York.

Some NBA fans were surprised that Taj Gibson hasn't retired yet, but most New York Knicks fans reacted by sharing what Tom Thibodeau might have felt when Gibson was off the market.

The Knicks need a big man, and Gibson had three stints in New York, including 16 games last season.

"Just saw Thibs fall to his knees in a Walmart parking lot," one fan claimed.

"Thibs is absolutely smashing windows and throwing crap right now," another fan wrote.

"I got so scared it was going to say signed with New York Knicks," a fan remarked.

Taj Gibson signed with the New York Knicks as a free agent in 2019. It was an opportunity for him to play for his hometown team but was waived before the start of the 2020-21 season. He was re-signed two months later and finished the campaign in New York.

Gibson was waived by the Knicks again after the 2021-22 season before returning for his third stint last season. He lasted just 16 games before getting released and spending the rest of the season with the Detroit Pistons.

"Just staying in game shape for Thibs. You not fooling me dawg," a fan commented.

"Tom Thibodeau is Charlotte-bound I'm afraid," one fan joked.

"He saw Thibs needed a center and ran to a team he wouldn't play real minutes. My mansis tired lol," another fan wrote.

---

Taj Gibson likely taking Mark Williams under his wing

Taj Gibson likely taking Mark Williams under his wing. (Photo: IMAGN)

The Charlotte Hornets have a promising young big man in Mark Williams, who had a solid rookie year and was promoted as a starter last season. However, he was limited to just 19 games due to a back injury, averaging 12.7 points, 9.7 rebounds and 1.1 blocks.

Gibson will likely take Williams under his wing, while also serving as the voice of reason for young players like LaMelo Ball, Nick Smith Jr. and Brandon Miller. He would also be helpful for someone like Miles Bridges, who doesn't have the best reputation off the court.