Taj Gibson Injury News: Bulls Forward Played All of Last Season With Torn Ankle Ligament?

It comes as no surprise that the Chicago Bulls are an injury-ridden team. But what does come as surprising news is that Bulls forward Taj Gibson was apparently able to play through all of last season with a torn ankle ligament.

After missing 20 games throughout last season after injuring and reinjuring his left ankle several times, Gibson had surgery in June, and was ruled out up to 4 months. On Saturday at his Basketball ProCamp, he admitted that he played through a torn ligament in his angle during the Bulls' run to the Eastern Conference Semifinal last season.

According to Sports Illustrated, the doctor who examined Gibson was "astounded" by his tolerance for pain:

"When [the doctor] finally went in during surgery, he was astounded at how I was still able to play," said Gibson. "He said he never knew anybody who could play through so much pain. I just thought it was normal. He was surprised I was even able to run or lift off it. That's how bad it was. But he did a great job. I was just blessed. The way they were all talking during the surgery and after the rehab, I'm lucky and optimistic.

"They tightened and really reconstructed the ligament, which was completely torn off. So far, it has been stiff and really tight. I really can't turn it. Plus, I wear a better ankle support now."

Though this isn't the first time Gibson's played with a torn ligament (he also admitted that in February, he had been playing through a torn thumb ligament, as well) it's fairly obvious that the torn ankle ligament is a bit tougher to play through. But at least playing with a torn ankle ligament didn't impact his game on court too much:

Although Gibson has been ruled out for 4 months, he's way ahead of that recovery window.

"The whole point is getting it stronger. The doctors said with more reps and running, it will get stronger," he said. "I've been doing mostly one-on-one and cutting off it. They've been slowing my progress. They don't want me to rush. I'm in good shape but I'm doing what the doctor tells me to do. The doctor told I'm ahead of schedule. But he wants me to still be cautious and take my time."

Playing through a torn ligament is precisely why Gibson was one of former Bulls coach Tom Thibodeau's favorite players. Now with Coach Thibbs is gone, Gibson and the rest of the Bulls will be playing under the coaching of Fred Hoiberg.

According to UpRoxx, Gibson is apparently looking forward to playing under Hoiberg's up-tempo offense:

"Not taking anything away from [Tom Thibodeau] and the way we played. He was a great coach, taught me a lot," said Gibson. "But moving from that kind of offense to this kind of offense is going to be exciting."

Hopefully Gibson will be 100 percent by the time the season starts since he's already ahead of schedule with his surgery recovery.