Tim Nwachukwu/Getty ImagesDoc Rivers, the head coach, said he is hopeful that point guard Ben Simmons will be back with the Philadelphia 76ers in the 2021-22 NBA season despite rumors of trades following the Atlanta Hawks' second round playoff elimination.Rivers said that Ben is great in an interview with TMZ Sports released Saturday. Rivers said, "I want him back. He is amazing. He will be great. He doesn't require a lot of work. He will be a great friend for us. He will be great.Simmons was unable to make an offensive impact in the Hawks series' final three games. Rivers raised eyebrows when he responded to a question asking Rivers if he could be the point guard for a championship team.The 76ers coach said that he didn't know the answer right now.Rivers stated that the team would work with Simmons the next day to fix Simmons' shooting problems."After being here for one year, I believe we have identified what and how and now we need to do the doing part. Rivers stated that we have to work for it. It's not an easy job. It's a job Ben can do.Simmons is a two-way player who has been one of the most productive in the league. Simmons averaged 14.3 points and 6.9 rebounds during the regular season, while also earning his second consecutive NBA All-Defensive selection.He's only attempted 34 3s in four NBA seasons, and made only five (34.7%) of those shots. His career shooting percentage is 59.7 percent from the free-throw line.These issues are the reason he hasn’t reached an MVP level despite his strong production.Rivers indicated that Simmons would be a good candidate to return to the team to work on his offensive flaws, but it seems like the front office is still open to discussing trade ideas behind closed doors.Bleacher Report's Jason Dumas reported that Philadelphia had "fielded offers” for the star guard, but turned down one from the Indiana Pacers. He was led by Malcolm Brogdon and a pick in the first round.If Simmons is able to stay, the emphasis will shift to the offseason and what the 76ers' brass could do to improve the roster. Joel Embiid will be the center to help push the team closer towards a championship.
