Chicago Bulls' Gibson Proving To Be Strong Foundation For 2013-14 Version of The Bench Mob

CHICAGO, IL.  While the biggest story of the Chicago Bulls preseason is of course the Return of DRose, there have been several important developments that compel Bulls fans to believe that this is the year.

One player that has let his game do all the talking is back-up power forward, Taj Gibson.

Taj Gibson has been in Beast-mode, averaging 17 PPG, 8.6 RPG, 2.6 BPG, and shooting 70% from the field.

Gibson, who signed a big contract to stay with the team until the 2016-17 season, played as if he were carrying every bit of the pressure of that deal on his shoulders every night. While he put up similar numbers to his career stats, the lack of further development of his game had drawn criticism from fans who felt that the size of Gibson's contract was unwarranted for a player already peaking in his career.

Well, Gibson put in work this summer to develop his weight and strength, as well as his outside touch, and it has indeed showed in the first three contests of the preseason.

In the three preseason games, Taj is averaging 17 PPG, 8.7 RPG, 2.7 BPG, on 70% FG.

The added weight and strength has allowed him to hold his ground, muscle his way to better shots, and get in position for more offensive rebounding opportunities. He has been a consistantly producing go to option for the Bulls second unit so far.

How do you feel about Taj Gibson's game so far this preseason? Let us know what you think in the comments below!