Early grades for the Minnesota Timberwolves offseason moves

4 of 6

SALT LAKE CITY, UT – NOVEMBER 13: Taj Gibson #67 of the Minnesota Timberwolves looks on in the first half against the Utah Jazz at Vivint Smart Home Arena on November 13, 2017 in Salt Lake City, Utah. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Gene Sweeney Jr./Getty Images) /

Taj Gibson Signing: B

Minnesota was able to reunite Taj Gibson and Tom Thibodeau once again.

Gibson was in Chicago for all of Thibs’ coaching days with the Bulls. Like Butler, Gibson will be something of a “Thibs translator” for the young Wolves. With the signing Minnesota bolstered their front court spot opposite Karl-Anthony Towns.

Gibson has become known as a hard-nosed, defensive player that will do all the dirty things. So far this year, Gibson has proven his reputation to be correct. While Gibson’s individual defense has been it’s usual stellar self, it hasn’t reached the rest of the team. Throughout the year, he and Butler should start to rub off on Karl-Anthony Towns and Andrew Wiggins from a defensive work ethic perspective. Gibson has also been a monster on the offensive boards; there have been a number of times that Taj has ripped down a crucial offensive rebound.

Gibson could be one of the best signings that nobody is talking about in the NBA. He fits perfectly with the rest of the Wolves’ roster. He is a glue guy and will have no hesitation to get the uniform dirty to help his team.

With Towns, Wiggins, Butler and Teague, Minnesota has a plethora of scorers on the team, but need gritty players to do the things that don’t show up in the box score, which is Gibson’s specialty. Taj won’t get all the accolades, but has been one of the most important players in Timberwolves wins this season.