Chicago Bulls: Taj Gibson Displays Value While Filling in for Carlos Boozer

The Chicago Bulls had a scare earlier this season when Carlos Boozer tripped over his gym bag and broke his hand. 

With their prized offseason acquisition injured for at least the month, the Bulls turned to Taj Gibson to start in Boozer's No. 4 slot. 

And boy has Gibson delivered. 

In his rookie season, Gibson was a mature 24. He started 70 games, played through injuries, was fundamentally offensively and defensively and was a team-oriented player. 

However, Gibson has elevated his game to another level. 

Gibson scored nine points as a rookie, which is nothing to glow about. 

Now, the second-year power forward from USC has averaged 14.3 points, 6.4 rebounds and 1.9 blocks a game. This production also comes in 29.1 minutes of floor time. 

Part of the reason Gibson is scoring well is he had plantar fasciitis in both his feet, thus limiting his offensive production. Now, healed, Gibson has been pain free and is moving faster. 

He is the team's fourth leading scorer behind Derrick Rose, Luol Deng and Joakim Noah. He has some nice post moves and a jumper that is raising eyebrows. Gibson is also hitting 60.3 percent of his shots. 

Defense is really Gibson's specialty, as he won the 2009 Pac-10 Defensive Player of the Year award. Gibson is a hard defender who could block shots consistently. 

Saturday night is Exhibit A for Gibson's blocking prowess. While playing only 26 minutes, he denied the Washington Wizards five times to help the Bulls win 103-96. 

Most of his effectiveness is coming after Rose has been double-teamed after pouring 67 points in the first two games. Defenses have been not guarding him, but that is sure to change. 

When Boozer returns from his injury, expect Chicago to still utilize Gibson effectively on the offensive end. 

Gibson is revealing to the Bulls and to the NBA that he is an invaluable bench player or even starter in this league. He could be either an important piece in Chicago's championship puzzle or intriguing trade bait for Carmelo Anthony while the Bulls keep Noah. 

Whatever is in Gibson's future, he is sure to make the best of it.