Report: Joel Embiid Opposed Ty Lue as 76ers HC over Ben Simmons Ties, X's & O's

Joel Embiid may have played a role in the Philadelphia 76ers' decision not to hire Tyronn Lue as their head coach this offseason. 

Per Bill Oram and Joe Vardon of The Athletic, Embiid's objection to Lue was related to both his system and ties to Ben Simmons: 

"Lue had an ally in the Sixers' search—super agent Rich Paul, who represents James (hence his ties to Lue) and Philadelphia star Ben Simmons. But sources across the NBA said the Sixers' other star, Joel Embiid, ultimately opposed Lue as coach for X's and O's reasons and for the optics of Simmons' 'guy' getting the job."

The Sixers were in the market for a new head coach this offseason after Brett Brown was fired following the team's first-round playoff loss to the Boston Celtics. 

Lue, who spent last season as an assistant coach with the Los Angeles Clippers, was among the candidates interviewed by Philadelphia. 

Per Keith Pompey of the Philadelphia Inquirer, Lue was "interested" in the Sixers job and received a tour of their facilities after meeting with managing partner Josh Harris, co-managing partner David Blitzer and general manager Elton Brand.

Despite Lue's reported interest, the Sixers wound up hiring Doc Rivers on Oct. 3. 

Rivers became a surprise option after parting ways with the Clippers on Sept. 28. He led the Clippers to six playoff appearances in seven seasons, but things fell apart in the playoffs last season when they blew a 3-1 series lead to the Denver Nuggets. 

Lue wasn't left in the dust for long, as he was hired by the Clippers on Oct. 20. 

The Embiid-Simmons tandem is essential to the Sixers vaulting to the top of the Eastern Conference. Their dynamic has occasionally been limited due to injuries and a perception that their styles don't fit well together. 

Rivers and new team president Daryl Morey will attempt to make the pieces fit in Philadelphia this season. The 76ers open the 2020-21 campaign on Wednesday against the Washington Wizards.