On Friday evening, the Memphis Grizzlies will play the Dallas Mavericks in Texas. The Grizzlies are coming off a 133-112 home loss to the Golden State Warriors.
Before Friday’s showdown in Dallas, the Grizzlies announced the signing of a new player.
NBA World Reacts To Memphis Grizzlies Signing 16-Year Veteran
ESPN’s Shams Charania reported that the Grizzlies are adding Taj Gibson, noting the move provides veteran presence amid the team’s rebuild after trading Jaren Jackson Jr. Charania described Gibson as a “consummate leader and professional over his career” and pointed out that Gibson would become the 35th player to appear in an NBA game after turning 40.
The return: Taj Gibson has agreed on a deal with the Memphis Grizzlies, Mark Bartelstein of @PrioritySports tells ESPN. At 40 years old, Gibson is back in the NBA for his 17th season – a big man regarded as a consummate leader and professional over his career. pic.twitter.com/Zo9mQ5KoL7
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) February 26, 2026
Gibson most recently played in the 2024-25 season, appearing in 37 games (11 starts) for the Charlotte Hornets. He averaged 2.9 points and 3.2 rebounds per game.
The Athletic’s Fred Katz emphasized Gibson’s longevity, saying, “You are gonna have to physically drag Taj Gibson out of the arena if you want him out of the NBA.”
You are gonna have to physically drag Taj Gibson out of the arena if you want him out of the NBA. https://t.co/SMANksmWwn
— Fred Katz (@FredKatz) February 26, 2026
Media outlet Enjoy BBall highlighted the shrinking draft class Gibson belongs to, writing, “Now it’s 4 players remaining from the 2009 NBA Draft class.”
Now it’s 4 players remaining from the 2009 NBA Draft class pic.twitter.com/tTrvlcijH0
— ENJ🏀Y (@EnjoyBBall) February 26, 2026
Grizzlies-focused account GrindHouse Grizzlies added, “Go ahead and toss Taj Gibson the coaching polo.”
Go ahead and toss Taj Gibson the coaching polo
— GrindHouse Grizzlies (Spaces) (@SpacesGrizzlies) February 27, 2026
NBA writer Jonathan Macri added: “My guy, forever and always.”
My guy, forever and always. https://t.co/QInm9eBJCg
— Jonathan Macri (@JCMacriNBA) February 26, 2026
Gibson was the 26th pick in the 2009 NBA Draft out of USC. He has also played for the Chicago Bulls, Washington Wizards, New York Knicks, Oklahoma City Thunder, Minnesota Timberwolves, and Detroit Pistons over 16 seasons.
His career averages are 8.4 points and 5.7 rebounds per game while shooting 51.7% from the field and 26.6% from 3-point range in 1,002 games.
Gibson will turn 41 in June, marking another milestone in his lengthy career. He will become the second-oldest active player in the league, trailing only LeBron James, following Chris Paul’s retirement.
The Grizzlies are the 11th seed in the Western Conference with a 21-36 record through 57 games.
