Taj Gibson hasn't played a game for the Memphis Grizzlies yet, but the 17-year veteran is already making an impact as the team navigates a brutal injury stretch.
MEMPHIS — Taj Gibson has yet to appear in a game since he joined the Memphis Grizzlies in late February.
Gibson, 40, observed Thursday’s 120-112 loss against the Dallas Mavericks from the bench. His debut is set for Friday's matchup against the Detroit Pistons. However, Gibson has already made his presence felt as a veteran leader on a young Memphis team working to establish a long-term foundation.
Only eight Grizzlies suited up on Thursday as 11 players were ruled out due to injuries. Tyler Burton was called up from the G League’s Memphis Hustle on a 10-day contract to help the Grizzlies meet the minimum requirement of eight active players. Many young players are getting a chance to play extended minutes and in expanded roles.
During this period, Gibson's presence has offered valuable guidance to the team, a new perspective that has helped his young teammates. Across 17 seasons, Gibson has seen everything imaginable in the NBA.
Grizzlies coach Tuomas Iisalo knows what he has. He’s leaned on Gibson, talking about what it takes to win. Iisalo says those talks have changed the way he sees the game.
"There's a difference between being a playoff-level contributor and someone who's experienced deep playoff runs," Iisalo said. "I've had discussions with him just to use him as a sounding board."
Thursday night was the lesson. Khris Middleton scored the Mavericks' opening 11 points in the fourth quarter after Memphis tied it before the end of the third period. He poured in 22 in the quarter, 35 for the game. Gibson’s message to the young guys was simple.
"He's helping guide the younger players to understand situations like the one with Middleton," Iisalo said. "In a playoff setting, you simply cannot allow a professional scorer to get into a rhythm."
Olivier-Maxence Prosper has felt Gibson’s presence during games, as well as when the team is watching film or on the practice court.
"Anytime I come off the court, he's usually the first guy telling me something," Prosper said. "Whether it's advice or encouragement, he's always giving guys confidence to play their game."
The presence that Gibson has provided as a veteran mentor has already been felt by Jaylen Wells.
"As soon as he came to the first practice, you immediately felt his impact," Wells said. "Talking, being positive on the sidelines, high-fiving guys. That's just a guy you want around."
During a rebuilding season that featured Jaren Jackson Jr. being traded to the Utah Jazz, the Grizzlies signed Gibson after parting ways with Kyle Anderson via a contract buyout. Anderson had joined the Grizzlies from Utah in February, then left for Minnesota.
When Gibson plays, Iisalo expects him to help his undersized team with rebounding and post defense, and to provide leadership by example. Thursday was a reminder of what’s been missing. Dallas dominated on the glass, 60-38, and scored 64 points in the paint.