Tobias Harris spoke with the media following last night’s win against the Washington Wizards. Harris, who was clearly disappointed that he didn’t get selected to the All-Star game, stated after the selection committee snubbed him “politics as usual”. Although the main storyline about last night surrounded Joel Embiid and his injury, Harris was able to comment in detail about the All-Star selection process and his feelings surrounding him not being picked to participate.

“… I was upset with the All-Star (picks), of course, but I’ve played at an All-Star level night in and night out,” he said. “Listen, if Philly fans understand that I’m an All-Star — these are the same fans that probably would’ve escorted me out of my house last year — if they understand, then I’m good. … When me and (head coach Doc Rivers) talk about it, I just tell him, ‘Look, I’ve got a bounty out for all the coaches that didn’t vote for me, all the national media that skipped over me.’ 

“It is what it is, but me and Doc discuss that you make your name known in the playoffs and leading this team, and being solid and what you do day in and day out. And that was my mentality. For a moment, it was tough to get over. The (Feb. 23) Toronto game came so fast … that it was just right there. You move on. You move on with life and it won’t be the (last) time I’ll be in contention to be an All-Star, I believe, in my career. That’s how I look at it.”

Harris is having the best season of his career. He’s averaged 20.2 points and flirted with a 50/40/90 shooting split, adding 7.6 and 3.4 assists over the first half of the season. Harris has always been criminally underrated. Even last year before the playoffs, Harris averaged 19.6 points per game with 6.9 rebounds and 3.2 assists. Sixers fans will only remember Harris’ performance in the bubble, where he went ice cold and missed the first 10-three pointers he attempted while shooting 38.3 percent from the floor.

Tobias Harris is motivated to change how he is perceived around the league. Danny Green stopped to correct a reporter in late February when the reporter stated “the Sixers have two All-Stars.” Green interrupted and told the reporter “we should have three.” The locker room is behind Harris and rightfully so. With uncertainty surrounding Joel Embiid’s injury last night, it will be important for Harris to continue to elevate his game. If that means playing with a chip on his shoulder and “having a bounty” out for anyone who doubts him, then so be it.

The Sixers will be back in action tomorrow against the San Antonio Spurs. Ben Simmons and 3,000 Sixers’ fans are expected to return to the Wells Fargo Center as the we all wait for an injury update on Joel Embiid.