Nov. 22--PORTLAND, Ore. -- Taj Gibson has developed a well-earned reputation for recovering quickly from injuries.
That likely will change with his latest, a left ankle he now has sprained three times in seven months and twice in four weeks.
"I just have to be smart," Gibson said. "I have to really get it strong because it hurts my athleticism, not being able to do certain things. It's frustrating because everyone knows how I am. It takes a lot to have me sit out. I just don't want the same thing to keep happening."
Gibson's frustration is amplified because he worked so hard on his rehab over the summer, even skipping a USA Basketball Select team invitation, and believed the injury to be behind him. Then he sprained it against the Cavaliers on Oct. 31 and missed one game. This time, it sounds like he'll miss more.
"It's still sore. It's still weak," Gibson said. "Just gotta get back to trusting the doctors and doing it the right way instead of just saying, 'Patch me up, Coach,' and throwing me out there. I have to be smarter."
According to Gibson, who protected his ankle with a walking boot and crutches, his teammates told him the same thing. Derrick Rose in particular counseled Gibson.
"He was just saying to me, 'It's the same ankle that's been bothering you?' I was like, 'Yes,'" Gibson said. "He said, 'You just got to be patient. You really got to get on top of that.' It's a long year. Can't sprint to the finish line already; we've got a long fight. Just gotta be smart and get back fully healthy."
