Andy Lyons/Getty ImagesRumours of a possible deal to transfer Ben Simmons from Philadelphia 76ers into the Indiana Pacers in the offseason seem exaggerated. As of early July, at least.J. Michael of IndyStar reports that there have not been any talks between them, but the Pacers appear open to trading down from No. 13th overall pickor the pick in a larger trade packageIndiana finished last season at 34-38. They missed the playoffs for the first time since 2014-15. After just one year, Nate Bjorkgren was fired as head coach. Rick Carlisle, the former Dallas Mavericks head coaching coach, was appointed Bjorkgren’s replacement on June 24,It is not clear if Simmons was even needed by the Sixers.Despite his poor shooting performance in the postseason, specifically his failure to attempt and low percentages, Doc Rivers, Philly's head coach, told reporters that the club has a plan and is "bullish" about the LSU product.Simmons scored 14.3 points, 6.9 assists and 7.2 rebounds in 58 regular-season games. However, his scoring average dropped to 11.9 points per contest in 12 postseason games.Rivers stated that he believes some of the information is obvious. Rivers said, "We are not concealing the fact that Ben must become a better free throw shooter and a more confident one. When that happens, I believe that many other aspects of his game will follow. Before the season began, I had already said it. My first thought was "We have to get him to line 10 times per night." We have to work hard so he can reach that goal. If we can get him there, then his game will go to another level."The Eastern Conference contender will keep at work in Philadelphia to make its first Finals appearance since 2001.
