Taj Gibson’s Ready for a Breakout Year

Chicago Bulls forward Taj Gibson said Monday he’s confident the Bulls can still compete without Derrick Rose and foresees his role expanding this season.
The Bulls went 18-9 during the regular season and 1-4 in the playoffs without Rose last season.
“We still did good even when we didn’t have Derrick (last season),” said Gibson, who threw out a ceremonial first pitch before the Chicago White Sox’s game on Monday. “We beat the Heat without Derrick.
Entering his fourth season, Gibson said he and Thibodeau expect more of him this season. Gibson averaged 7.9 points, 5.2 rebounds, 1.3 blocks and 20.4 minutes last season.
Gibson is in the final year of his rookie contract. He said there have been talks about an extension, but either way he’s not going to let it affect him.
“They’re talking about that stuff now,” Gibson said. “I’m not even thinking about that. A lot of people always talk about that all year long, all season long. I don’t really worry about it. I won’t really be thinking about it. I’m just going out there and playing my game.”