While doing research for the Bulls-Raptors game last week I have to admit I was surprised to find out Taj Gibson had secured a spot in the Bulls’ starting five. Sure, he entered this season as a first round pick, but during his time at USC he averaged a rather pedestrian 12.5 points and 8.5 rebounds and he looked to be strictly a bench player in the NBA. Throw in the fact that he’s an undersized power forward (6’9″ and 22 pounds) and I had some doubts about how effective he would be when facing bigger opponents in the NBA.

But with Tyrus Thomas out a couple of weeks with an injury the talented rookie has become an important role player and energy guy in the Chicago’s starting five. While his stats aren’t flashy - 8.3 points and 4.8 rebounds per game – he’s become a valuable role player that Vinny Del Negro can rely on.

Last week I had the chance to chat with Gibson about his role with the Bulls this season, the toughest parts of playing in back-to-back games and how he goes about guarding a non-traditional big man like Andrea Bargnani.

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