NBA Notes: Pacers, Tyrese Haliburton, Ben Simmons, Russell Westbrook

Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton is back on the court, at least in some capacity.

He posted video of himself taking free throws as he works his way back from a torn right Achilles.

Haliburton suffered the injury in Game 7 of the 2025 Finals against Oklahoma City and will miss the entire upcoming season.

It is a tough blow for Indiana, which rode Haliburton’s playmaking to the Finals after knocking out Milwaukee, Cleveland and New York. He averaged 18.6 points and 9.2 assists last season and made All-NBA Third Team.

Without him, and with Myles Turner gone to Milwaukee, the Pacers will not be considered a contender.

Simmons linked to Knicks: Ben Simmons is still searching for his next team, and Bleacher Report’s Eric Pincus predicted it will be the Knicks.

Simmons played for the Nets and Clippers last season, averaging 5.0 points and 5.6 assists in limited minutes.

At this stage, the 28-year-old would be looking at a minimum deal.

Pincus noted the Kings were another option but penciled in Simmons to New York as a depth piece and defensive presence.

Westbrook to Sacramento? Russell Westbrook’s name also came up in Pincus’ predictions.

The longtime star could be headed to the Kings on a two-year minimum deal with a player option. Sacramento needs a backup to Dennis Schroder, and Westbrook would fit that role.

Westbrook played 75 games with Denver last season, averaging 13.3 points and 6.1 assists.

He is 36 now, but still showed he can push pace and provide energy off the bench.