Taj Gibson reveals that he played through a torn ligament in his ankle

Chicago Bulls power forward Taj Gibson gave a grim account of the severity of his injured ankle to K.C. Johnson of the Chicago Tribune.

Gibson, who underwent arthroscopic surgery on his left ankle in June, told Johnson that he played through a torn ankle ligament last season.

"When (the doctor) finally went in during surgery, he was astounded how I was able to still play," Gibson said Saturday morning. "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.

"It was like they tighten and really reconstructed the ligament," Gibson added. "The ligament was completely torn off."

The left ankle has repeatedly plagued Gibson, who has twisted the joint at least four times since 2012.

Gibson's recovery timeline called for the 30-year-old to miss four months, putting him on course for a mid-October return. He is now ahead of schedule, but the Bulls' training staff are encouraging him to take his time.

"The whole point (of slowing down) is getting it stronger," Gibson said. "The doctors said with more reps and running, it will get stronger. 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."

The Bulls' training camp is slated to open on Sept. 28, and their preseason schedule will tip off on Oct. 6 against the Milwaukee Bucks, who the Bulls eliminated in the first round of last season's playoffs.

Gibson is entering his seventh campaign with Chicago. He averaged 10.3 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks per game across 62 games last year.