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08:14 AM ET 09.04 | Derrick Rose's absence will loom large in Chicago, but it also opens up opportunities. [Bulls] forward Taj Gibson said Monday he's confident the Bulls can still compete without [Rose] and foresees his role expanding this season. The Bulls went 18-9 during the regular season and 1-4 in the playoffs without Rose last season. "We still did good even when we didn't have Derrick (last season)," said Gibson, who threw out a ceremonial first pitch before the Chicago White Sox's game on Monday. ... Entering his fourth season, Gibson said he and Thibodeau expect more of him this season. Gibson averaged 7.9 points, 5.2 rebounds, 1.3 blocks and 20.4 minutes last season. "Thibs already told me he wants my role to change, be more of a leader now."

Taj Gibson, Getty Images

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September 4, 2012 08:27 AM ET

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so they want a bench player to be their leader

JIGSAW

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September 4, 2012 08:32 AM ET

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QUOTE(#1):

Originally posted 08:27 AM ET 09.04 by JIGSAW

so they want a bench player to be their leader

No. They want Rose, but he's in the shop getting repaired right now!

Eli...

Chicagoland, .

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September 4, 2012 08:34 AM ET

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Very good role player and spark off the bench but I think he falters as a go to player. If he is only speaking of leadership and hustle then great.

Detroitsportsisthebe…

Detroit , MI

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September 4, 2012 08:47 AM ET

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QUOTE(#4):

Originally posted 08:39 AM ET 09.04 by jgb

Agree....Hard from a leader to lead from the bench

Yes it is but when Booze and Deng are your current leaders then it makes the adjustment a little easy to move into

Detroitsportsisthebe…

Detroit , MI

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September 4, 2012 09:29 AM ET

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Noah should mature into a leader ahead of Gibson. But he's a nutcase unfortunately.

ESPN

Atlanta , GA

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September 4, 2012 12:15 PM ET

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QUOTE(#1):

Originally posted 08:27 AM ET 09.04 by JIGSAW

so they want a bench player to be their leader

Uh......yeah. Because after next season, he'll be a starter.....when the Bulls amnesty Boozer.

Better for him to step up NOW versus stepping up later.

Retired Army in San…

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September 4, 2012 12:16 PM ET

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QUOTE(#6):

Originally posted 09:21 AM ET 09.04 by jgb

<loosens shirt and tie, pours scotch into glass>this is going to take alot of work, we might be here a few days trying to get this fixed:)

LOL.......good one!

Retired Army in San…

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September 4, 2012 12:18 PM ET

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QUOTE(#3):

Originally posted 08:34 AM ET 09.04 by Detroitsportsisthebest

Very good role player and spark off the bench.........but I think he falters as a go to player.......

True.....because he's not, and never will be a "go to" player.

But not being a "go to" player never stopped Bill Laimbeer from being a leader ;-) .

Jus' sayin'........

Retired Army in San…

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September 5, 2012 09:52 AM ET

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Gibson averaged 7.9 points, 5.2 rebounds, 1.3 blocks and 20.4 minutes last season.

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Sounds like a leader to me...of the Bobcats! HA! Hey I live here...I can make those jokes in good humor LOL

DR_Universal

Charlotte , NC

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September 6, 2012 05:26 PM ET

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Gibson is good..no doubt about that. He has a lot of upside..but i just don't think he will be able to lead the Bulls. How i see it..in the end..its going to be up to Deng and Noah to lead that team until Rose gets back.