Pacers
Tyrese Haliburton says the long road back from his torn Achilles is nearly complete.
The Pacers star said that he expects to be ready when training camp begins after missing all of last season.
“I feel great. I’m doing everything,” Haliburton said, via Dustin Dopirak of the Indianapolis Star. “I’m playing pick-up pretty regularly at this point. I feel great. I will be ready for the season. If the season was today, I’d be ready.”
Haliburton acknowledged there’s a difference between being healthy and being in NBA game shape, particularly after nearly 16 months away. He plans to play against NBA competition in Los Angeles soon as he continues preparing for camp.
Indiana announced Wednesday that its preseason opener will be Oct. 7 against Minnesota in Ames, Iowa, where Haliburton starred at Iowa State.
Warriors
The Warriors still have some shopping to do.
Golden State has “legitimate” interest in free agents Brandon Williams and Georges Niang, according to Marc Stein of The Stein Line.
Williams averaged a career-high 13.0 points with Dallas last season, while Niang missed the season largely because of a foot injury. Golden State has been searching for another floor-spacing big after losing Quinten Post to Memphis.
Jake Fischer of Bleacher Report adds that the Warriors are also eyeing Dalen Terry, who could be a candidate for a non-guaranteed training camp contract.
Golden State currently has 13 players on standard contracts.
Free agency
It appears Ben Simmons will get another NBA opportunity. The question is what kind.
Fischer reports there are “definitely” teams interested in Simmons after recent word that the former No. 1 overall pick has regained some of the athleticism that disappeared amid years of back problems.
Fischer expects Simmons to be in an NBA camp this fall, though perhaps without a guaranteed contract.
“No one’s looking to give Ben Simmons a guaranteed roster spot right now,” Fischer said.
That sounds about right. At this stage, teams aren’t going to be interested in résumés or workout reports. Simmons will have to show them he’s healthy and can still help.
If he can, someone will give him a chance.
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