Minnesota Timberwolves: Complete 2017 offseason grades

Getting Gibson

Tom Thibodeau brought in a second familiar player to his system during free agency. The first was Jimmy Butler during the draft. The second was Taj Gibson, who played under Thibodeau all five seasons he was the head coach of the Chicago Bulls. Gibson was signed to a two-year, $28 million deal.

Gibson immediately makes the Wolves better, though he isn’t a lock to start at power forward.  Gorgui Dieng is coming off a solid season where he started all 82 games. It will be an interesting battle to watch unfold as we inch closer to the season.

Both players are good rebounders and defenders. Additionally, both can score the basketball decently well. Gibson does not have as good of a shot as Dieng, but he does have better moves around the basket.

The signing of Taj Gibson shows that the Wolves are committed to improving their defense. Gibson is a perfect fit for Thibodeau’s style and will help set the tone defensively for the team. We will just have to wait and see whether that is as a starter or off the bench.

Grade: B+