By Josh Liddick, Sports Talk Philly Staff 
The end of the season for the Philadelphia 76ers is always a bittersweet one, especially when the team misses the playoffs. However, the positives that can be taken out of the team people saw this season as a whole are endless. Not only for this season will the positives be shown, but also for the future seasons to come.
Traditionally, as it is for every team, the day after the final game of the regular season for a non-playoff team consists of the players offering their thoughts from the year and beyond.
Today was that day, and members of the media got some pretty good answers from the players themselves, addressing things that are normally saved for the offseason.
Without further ado, let's go player-by-player and take a look at what went on during "Exit Interview Day," at the Sixers Practice Facility in Camden today.
Ben Simmons:
The final interview of the day was Simmons, but definitely the one that almost everyone could not possibly wait for it to occur. He never played this season due a season-ending Jones fracture in his foot. Simmons last addressed the media on opening night.
Here's Simmons airing his thoughts on the decision for him to play the point guard position for the Sixers next season.
#Sixers Simmons on playing point guard pic.twitter.com/X32FAJeJNa
— Tom Moore (@tmoore76ers) April 13, 2017
Tom Moore from Calkins tweeted whether or not Simmons will be playing in the Summer League this summer.
#Sixers Simmons on playing in 2017 summer leagues: 'If I'm ready, we'll see.'
— Tom Moore (@tmoore76ers) April 13, 2017
When asked about the Sixers fans, Simmons said that they are "unreal," "even when we're not having the best season, and I think that just makes you want to play here and be here."
After not knowing when Simmons was going to return to the floor, he had multiple scans to his injured foot which prolonged the inevitable return. He was asked when he knew he was done for the season.
#Sixers Simmons on when he knew he was out for season: pic.twitter.com/f9hVXBcFCw
— Tom Moore (@tmoore76ers) April 13, 2017
Nik Stauskas:
Nik's "exit" interview was possibly one of the biggest highlights of the day, with many media members interviewing the 23 year-old shooting guard about his expectations for next season. What should be music to Sixers fans ears, Stauskas didn't hesitate in talking playoffs next season, as Bob Cooney from the Daily News tweeted.
Stauskas says with all the hard work team will put in this summer, playoffs have to be an expectation next season
— Bob Cooney (@BobCooney76) April 13, 2017
Stauskas' progress this season was noted today, as he said that he "thinks his season was good at times. I think I made progress."
He averaged nearly 10 points and three assists in 80 games for the Sixers this season. Stauskas said he would like to get his three-point field goal percentage from 37% where it was at this season, to the 40's, Brian Seltzer from Sixers.com tweeted.
Seltzer also asked Stauskas about what he thought about the Sixers' season this year, and what he sees going forward.
Stauskas said in long run, Sixers want more than 28 Ws, but at some point, have to be ok with initial headway, focus on summer.
— Brian Seltzer (@brianseltzer) April 13, 2017
T.J. McConnell
There's no denying the leaps and bounds McConnell made this season compared to his last two. The fact of the matter is that he went from being a bottom-of-the-rotation player for the Sixers to the starting point guard and a fan favorite. It wasn't that long ago that the cheers for T.J. were boos at the Wells Fargo Center.
Today, McConnell talked about his improvement as a player and where he sees himself at season's end.
McConnell on growth in second season: "I definitely think I'm a better player." Knows no spot guaranteed, will do whatever takes to keep it. pic.twitter.com/3ZnDFDJmUM
— Brian Seltzer (@brianseltzer) April 13, 2017
T.J. also mentioned a desire to improve his shooting in the offseason to add an additional element to his game, besides dishing the ball out to his teammates.
McConnell re emphasized his goal is to work on shooting this summer, feels it will open up game.
— Brian Seltzer (@brianseltzer) April 13, 2017
Jahlil Okafor:
Obviously, there was a ton of controversy surrounding Okafor's future with the Sixers before the trade deadline. When Joel Embiid went down with the knee injury and Nerlens Noel was traded to Dallas, it was pretty much guaranteed that the starting center job for the time being was to be placed in Jah's hands.
Unfortunately, his season was cut short went he went down with a knee injury as well. It's interesting to think what would've happened if the Sixers did indeed find a trade partner that was interested in Okafor and where he would be at this point.
However, here they are, with Okafor still on the team with what seems to be a level of uncertainty if he will be traded or not this offseason.
As far as Okafor believes, he sees himself right where he is in the present time.
Okafor: "I love being here."
— Jessica Camerato (@JCameratoCSN) April 13, 2017
Contrary to what people might believe in reference to the Sixers' front office this season, Okafor is thankful for what they did to help ease the stress of the possibility of being traded at the deadline.
Okafor credited amazing head coach, amazing general manager, amazing staff for helping him this season.
— Brian Seltzer (@brianseltzer) April 13, 2017
Okafor also seems to show a sense of allegiance to the Sixers, as Seltzer tweeted today.
Proud of way he handled this season. Has learned it's part of being a professional. Has enjoyed being here, and will embrace what team asks. pic.twitter.com/LP4YNnL5jJ
— Brian Seltzer (@brianseltzer) April 13, 2017
Robert Covington:
Robert Covington had an extremely efficient season for the Sixers this season, especially on the defensive side of the ball. He said that his three seasons in Philadelphia were a major part of his development.
Covington says his 3 seasons with Sixers have been all about development. Credits Sixers for bringing him along. pic.twitter.com/PUGKeruzAE
— Brian Seltzer (@brianseltzer) April 13, 2017
Covington also talked about the expectations surrounding the Sixers going into the offseason/next season.
#Sixers RoCo: 'We definitely have a different mentality (this offseason). There's expectations for us.'
— Tom Moore (@tmoore76ers) April 13, 2017
The defensive mindedness of Covington is something that was discussed as a main reason to extend the small forward to a long-term deal. Will a contract extension be something included in his future?
#Sixers RoCo: 'We haven't discussed anything yet (about a long term contract after next season).'
— Tom Moore (@tmoore76ers) April 13, 2017
Talking about an increase in wins and production especially going into the next season, Covington offered his thoughts on the state of "the Process."
Covington said he feels like the process will be completed when Sixers make leap back to where they were before it began.
— Jessica Camerato (@JCameratoCSN) April 13, 2017
Dario Šarić:
There's not a whole lot pertaining to "The Homie" that hasn't already been said this season. His guts, determination, pride, loyalty, and work ethic are just a few of the many reasons he will be included in the Rookie of the Year conversation in a couple weeks.
Dario spent some time with the media on Thursday to discuss his highlight-filled season all starting when he flew over to the States last year.
Brian Seltzer talked to Šarić as the Croat talked about his first season with the Sixers. This should be a heart-warming statement to Sixers fans every where.
Saric on first season with Sixers:
"Now I know why I was excited." pic.twitter.com/ooUAYYsF2H— Brian Seltzer (@brianseltzer) April 13, 2017
One aspect of his game that he would like to improve is his three-point shot, and he will use the Croatian national team this summer to help him with that very skill, according to Seltzer.
Dario "was a little bit sad," when he realized he'd be missing his team's last game against the Knicks on Wednesday night, but he "talked with the medical staff, I talked to coach about my heel, what's good for me, and we decide we rest that game."
#Sixers Saric: 'I would've liked to play all 82 games.'
— Tom Moore (@tmoore76ers) April 13, 2017
Šarić also offered his thoughts on what he thinks of the city of Philadelphia and playing for the Sixers fans.
#Sixers Saric: 'I like the fans. I like the city' pic.twitter.com/8SAkPyRetr
— Tom Moore (@tmoore76ers) April 13, 2017
Šarić also talked about how the team is successful with the likes of Embiid and Simmons on the squad.
#Sixers Saric: 'When you see (Embiid, Simmons & others), we know we can do something.'
— Tom Moore (@tmoore76ers) April 13, 2017
Other quick player notes:
- Jerryd Bayless will be cleared for full contact drills in about a month, Keith Pompey reports.
- Gerald Henderson's "guess" would have to be to get a hip replacement "somewhere down the road," Pompey tweeted.
- Timothé Luwawu-Cabarrot: "I finished the season strong. I'm going to work on my craft and come back better." TLC also plans on spending the summer in Philly after a month and a half in France.
- Shawn Long: "The time I had here was very valuable. I learned a lot. I think I proved I can play at this level." Jessica Camerato of CSN Philly reports that Long will play for the Sixers in the summer league.
- Alex Poythress: "It made me feel like I belonged here. I took the opportunity and ran with it," talking about the chance to play in the NBA. According to Jessica Camerato of CSN Philly, Poythress plans to play in summer league, uncertain if it will be for the Sixers. He intends to train in Philly during the offseason.
- Richaun Holmes: "It's been an up-and-down season. We had some good moments. We had some down moments."
- Justin Anderson: "My confidence has improved with the opportunity to play more."
- Sergio Rodriguez: On impending free agency, he'd like to "try to stay in the NBA and play a few more years here." He plans on returning to Spain to play for the national team this summer.
