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SHOES + NEWS
Sneaker Talk: Chicago Bulls’ Taj Gibson
words & interview_Christopher Cason
With the 26th pick in the 2009 NBA draft, the Chicago Bulls selected Taj Gibson out of USC. What I have seen out of Taj this season is a maturity that probably isn’t present in most rookies.
Because he takes his game so seriously, his development this season was one of the main factors in why the Bulls didn’t think twice when it was time to part ways with talented forward Tyrus Thomas.
Not one to bring tons of attention to himself, Taj has been dubbed “Mr. Hard Hat and Lunch Pale” by commentator Stacey King, thanks to his ability to get the job done without the flash and flair seen in some of the more athletic players that play the 4.
With a season that is all about learning for the oldest rookie in this years draft class, I was able to catch up with Taj and talk about what’s most important for his footwear.
You wore the Kobe IV last year at USC, what was your impression of them?
USC just got the new ones. Kobe kind of took USC under his wing, so, we get them on the regular now. I like them. I got some more coming in soon.
Have you gotten a chance to try the V’s?
Oh yeah. I like them. They’re light and that’s one thing I like wearing, a light shoe.
You’re in the Air Max Rise, currently. What do you like most about that model?
It’s a good shoe. I got them from the All-Star game. Nike gave me a couple of pair and they’ve really helped my feet because I have plantar faciitis in both my feet. So, it’s been real good for my feet.
You’ve worn the Hyperdunk, the Kobes and now the Air Max Rise, what’s been your favorite?
The Max Rise and possibly the Kobes. Those are two of my favorites right now. They’re both real good shoes for the feet.
What are you looking for in a shoe when it comes time to performance?
At first, when I got in the NBA, I loved colors and style, but after playing in so many games, it’s all about taking care of your feet. With the luxuries of the Kobes and the Max Rise, they look good and make your feet feel good.
Tags: bulls, Chicago Bulls, max rise, nike, nike basketball, sneaker talk, taj gibson
16 Responses to “Sneaker Talk: Chicago Bulls’ Taj Gibson”
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Taj is a beast. I watch every Bulls game since I live in the Chi.
When he was drafted, I was like WTF? But he has proven to be a tremendous asset who continues to improve and impress on a daily bases.
The Taj Mahal!
Taj has been great, *fingers crossed* Noah gets back soon, because you’re a great 1,2, punch in the front-court.
And seriously, for all the young players, don’t play too light, you wanna keep those feet as healthy as possible the next 15-20 years.
AHH Taj went to the highschool i go to now… – Highschool Of Telecommunications arts and technology
im proud
Taj should definitely be trying to persuade Noah to switch brands this offseason.
Either that, or Le Coq needs to really go to work.
That also. It looks like a good shoe, in terms of stlye, but I seriously would love to see a performance review done on it.
Same here, the Le Coq Sportif blog says there will be a very limited release(probably with a limited size-run
) April 8th in Chicago(plus a 150 pairs at selected retailers in Europe, mainly France), so maybe someone can get their hands on a pair, so we can see ‘em.
If the shoes are so great why does Taj have plantar fasciitis? It seems to be getting worse since he starting wearing the Max Rise.
Think he needs a shoe that has a good shank in the arch and is flexible in the forefoot where the foot is supposed to flex. A stiff forefoot is going to put more strain on the ligament in the arch.
Not sure why companies w/ as much biomechanical research as nike can’t figure this out.
They should get back to making that a priority, but getting lighter, seems to be the only mantra right now.
He needs a shoe to bend up in the forefoot like you said. He just likes all the free stuff Nike is giving him. Therefore he won’t say a word about them being bad.
I was wondering the same. HOw does a company with so much research not figure this out? Must be the experts that are doing the biomechanical research are driven more by fashion and style than functionality…
And to the person who did this interview. Didn’t you ask him about his plantar fascitis and whats causing it? I mean the dude is saying how awesome his shoes are yet he has foot injury most likely caused by bad shoes.
I’ve been around Taj for most this season and his game shoe has primarily been the Hyperdunk. Just like with Noah, you can’t say what specifically caused the plantar faciitis because they’re on their feet so much and Taj has had it longer than Noah and Noah’s has also been more bothersome than Taj’s.
Well what is he doing to get better? Does he wear custom orthotics??
What do you mean you’re around him? Do you work for Nike or the Bulls?
I cover the team for the Examiner.com I’m at most home games and some practices.
Really great from out here in So. Ca. to hear how well Taj is doing , how well liked and respected he is back in Chicago. We loved him at USC and felt he’s be special and bring the right mindset and work ethic to the NBA amnd it’s great to hear that that’s the case! Best of luck always, ‘Fight On Taj” and Go Bulls !
He PF ailment he has is from wearing Hyperdunks for basically the entire first half of the season. One NBA team’s trainer even outlawed that shoe to his team because it causes PF. Since he came down with that he hasn’t put a foot into a Hyperdunk. At least seems to be keeping him on the court for the most part.
Team Jordan is what really needs to happen for this guy.
Taj was a beast at USC, but I haven’t really followed him much with the Bulls. The best shoes in this interview are his USC Kobe IVs!