The New Orleans Pelicans have waived veteran forward Taj Gibson. The roster move was confirmed on September 9, 2026, as the team continues to shape its lineup for the upcoming NBA season.
This decision arrives after a challenging end to the previous campaign. The Pelicans' last game was a 132-126 defeat to the Minnesota Timberwolves on April 13, 2026. Their recent form shows just one win in their final five outings, a stretch that included losses in their last two games.
Waiving Taj Gibson creates a valuable roster spot. It provides the Pelicans front office with increased flexibility. They can now explore the free agent market or consider promoting a younger player from within their system.
Gibson, 41, brought experience and a defensive presence during his time in New Orleans. His departure signals a potential shift towards evaluating younger frontcourt options. Head coach Willie Green and General Manager Trajan Langdon are clearly assessing every position.
The Pelicans' late-season struggles provide important context for this roster decision. After that 132-126 loss to Minnesota, they also fell 144-118 to the Boston Celtics on April 10. Their lone recent victory was a high-scoring 156-137 win over the Utah Jazz on April 8.
Prior to that, they suffered narrow defeats. They lost 112-108 to the Orlando Magic on April 5 and 117-113 to the Sacramento Kings on April 4. A 118-106 loss to the Portland Trail Blazers on April 3 started this difficult run. You can review the full schedule on our [fixtures](/fixtures) page.
This 1W-4L record in the final five games highlighted areas needing improvement, particularly on defense.
All eyes now turn to how the Pelicans will use the open roster slot. The team may look for a specific skill set, perhaps a shooter or a defensive specialist. Internal candidates will also get a longer look during training camp and preseason activities.
Player development becomes even more important. Young big men on the roster will have a chance to earn more minutes. The coaching staff will be watching closely to see who steps up.
This move is part of the normal NBA cycle of roster evaluation. Teams constantly adjust their composition based on performance, salary cap considerations, and future planning. The Pelicans are no different as they build a contender in the Western Conference.
Taj Gibson provided reliable minutes off the bench during his stint. Known for his toughness and basketball IQ, he was a positive locker room influence. His ability to set solid screens and defend multiple positions was appreciated.
His veteran guidance helped younger players understand the daily grind of an NBA season. While his statistical contributions were modest, his professionalism set a standard. The Pelicans will now look for others to fill that role, both on the court and in the locker room.
The front office thanks Gibson for his contributions and wishes him well in his future endeavors. His next step could be free agency, a coaching role, or retirement after a long and respected career.
