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Chicago Bulls: Midseason Report Card From 2016-17

By James D. Tillman III

Jan 15, 2017; Memphis, TN, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Rajon Rondo (9) and his teammates huddle up during the first half against the Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 15, 2017; Memphis, TN, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Rajon Rondo (9) and his teammates huddle up during the first half against the Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 30, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bulls forward Taj Gibson (22) reacts after a foul call against the Los Angeles Lakers during the second half at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports /

Taj Gibson

After years of playing the role of good soldier behind the likes of Joakim Noah, Gasol and even Nikola Mirotic, Taj Gibson was finally inserted into the starting lineup prior to the start of the season.

To be honest, it should have been a no-brainer once Gasol and Noah departed via free agency, but everything is a process I suppose.

In the starting power forward role, Gibson continues to produce at high level. His 12.0 points per contest is his highest scoring output since the 2013-14 campaign.

Secondly, Gibson is pulling down 7.3 rebounds per outing, which represents his highest mark since his 2009-10 rookie season when he averaged 7.5 rebounds.

Furthermore, Gibson does not take a ton of bad shots and is becoming a better mid-range shooter.

This assertion is supported by the fact that he is connecting on 52 percent of his shot attempts, including a career-best 66 percent conversion rate between 0-3 feet and a 46 conversion rate between 10-16 feet, the second best mark of his career (per Basketball-Reference.com).

As has been the case in years past, Gibson plays whatever role he is asked to without a lot of fanfare — a huge positive trait from the last member of the Bulls team that advanced to the conference finals back in 2011.

Midseason Grade: B+

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