From Washington Wizards On SI · · 2m
Anthony Gill may be next to swap bench for staff
Taj Gibson’s Bulls move gives Washington a clear model for keeping Anthony Gill without using a roster spot.
In brief
Taj Gibson’s Bulls move gives Washington a clear model for keeping Anthony Gill without using a roster spot. Gill’s value to Washington may now fit better on the coaching staff than at the end of the bench. Originally reported by Washington Wizards On SI.
The hard-to-measure role
NBA teams often value veterans who steady the room more than they change games. That role matters, but it is hard to price on a 15-man roster.
“locker room leader”
Washington had two
The 2022-23 Wizards leaned on Taj Gibson and Anthony Gill as bench veterans. They played little, but their presence carried weight on a limited roster.
“averaged around a mere 10 minutes per game”
Roster spots run out
Teams can only keep so many culture-first veterans. Young players keep arriving, and guaranteed roster spots are too scarce to protect every mentor.
“only 15 fully-guaranteed roster slots”
Gibson made the move
At 41, Gibson is retiring after 17 NBA seasons. He is returning to the Bulls as an assistant coach under Tiago Splitter.
“returning back to his Chicago Bulls roots”
Gill is still waiting
Gill remains unsigned weeks before Wizards Media Day. That makes Gibson’s path feel like a possible preview for Washington’s longest-tenured player.
“does a similar fate await their longest-tenured player?”
His market is narrow
Gill has only played for the Wizards since reaching the NBA in 2020-21. Even after his best statistical season, his value is still tied mostly to Washington.
“only ever known the Wizards”
Community ties matter
Gill is known in the DMV for service as much as basketball. A recent Wizards 9/11 tribute showed him still close to the team, even without a public deal.
“his status still remains publicly-ambiguous”
Washington looked around
The Wizards have explored other veteran ideas instead of quickly re-signing Gill. Russell Westbrook and DeMar DeRozan rumors passed while Gill stayed unsigned.
“his wait silently persists”
Coaching solves a problem
A staff role could keep Gill inside the building without costing Washington its final roster spot. NBA teams are not boxed in by the same coach limit.
“without sacrificing a precious playable roster spot”
His minutes may vanish
Gill helped during thin stretches last season, but the frontcourt is changing. Alex Sarr, Anthony Davis and Deandre Ayton leave less need for a deep-bench scorer.
“he won't be quite so leaned upon”
The teammate case
Brian Keefe has praised Gill’s rare teammate value. That reputation is the reason he lasted this long, even when his on-court role stayed small.
“You could write a book on how great of a teammate Anthony Gill is.”
A new Wizards chapter
As Washington tries to win more, Gill’s best fit may change. The same character that made him a trusted player could make him useful a few seats down the bench.
“shape-shift in real time”
What it means
Gill’s value to Washington may now fit better on the coaching staff than at the end of the bench.
