3 Knicks Playing Their Final Season in New York

Taj Gibson

This one would also hurt Knicks fans and even more Tom Thibodeau. Not because Taj Gibson is a productive NBA player at this stage of his career, but more so because he is the emotional rock of this team.

Regularly described as Thibodeau's favorite player, Gibson was recently signed by the Knicks once he was waived by the Washington Wizards at the beginning of the season. The 38-year-old veteran had a role to play recently as the Knicks' frontcourt has been depleted with injuries. He is averaging 10 minutes per game in 16 appearances.

In these appearances, he is barely touching or shooting the ball. In fact, he is only 7/23 from the field all season, averaging 1 point per game. At his age, he can't really play extended minutes, even though New York desperately needed him to after injuries to its key players. Instead, they have to play the likes of Precious Achiuwa 40+ minutes every night.

It doesn't make too much sense to waste a roster spot on Gibson past this year. He is important to the organization and coach Thibs so keeping him around in a coaching or management role would have a ton of value. But it's time to take a flier on a young, promising big man instead.

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