Taj Gibson (PF/C CHI) - NBA Waiver Wire Pickups

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For years, Taj Gibson has been one of the more intriguing waiver-wire caliber players in fantasy basketball, primarily because owners always wanted to see what his production would look like if given a true opportunity at extended playing time. Throughout his career, he has remained a high upside reserve forward, blocked from consistent minutes by the likes of Joakim Noah, Carlos Boozer, and Pau Gasol. Now, with Boozer putting viewers to sleep on NBA TV and Noah out for the remainder of the season, Gibson might finally be getting his opportunity.

Noah’s shoulder injury several weeks ago (before his season-ending injury last week) gave us a decent sample size of what Gibson is capable of. In 9 games with Noah out of the lineup, Gibson averaged 32 mpg/9.1 ppg/8.9 rpg/1.5 bpg on 59% shooting from the floor. Those solid numbers should serve as the floor for Gibson moving forward, with an upside for even greater contributions as his role increases and becomes more defined. That certainly warrants an add, especially if you have some dead weight on the bottom of your roster.

BOTTOM LINE: Gibson should be an immediate waiver-wire pickup this week, as he is in prime position to see increased minutes and presumably, increased production. The Bulls’ frontcourt is going to rely on him to provide a tough presence next to Gasol, and Gibson should not only provide a short-term shot in the arm, but could provide season long dividends in the REB/BLK/FG% down the second half of the season and playoffs.