Minnesota Timberwolves: 5 goals for Jimmy Butler in 2017-18
5. Post 150 steals
The franchise mark of 191 steals in a season, set by Ricky Rubio during the 2013-14 campaign, may be a bit too far out of the reach for Jimmy Butler next season, but a different benchmark could be within reach.
Last season, Butler posted a career-high 143 steals, the fourth-most of any player in the league.
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If he can tack on another seven steals, a mark only posted 15 times over the past five years, Butler may be able to propel himself above an appointment to the All-NBA Defensive Second Team, where he has been placed three times in his career.
The Timberwolves franchise has only seen the 150-steal mark accomplished on seven occasions, by a total of five players.
Minnesota averaged 8.0 steals per game, the 12th-highest average in the NBA a year ago, but with Butler anchoring the perimeter, the team may become even more aggressive at closing off passing lanes.
Throughout his career, Butler has excelled at intercepting passes, boasting an average of 1.5 steals per game over the span of six years. Steals tend to come in bulk for him, as his 28 games with three or more steals last season ranked as the most in the NBA.
The steal total for Butler nearly eclipsed an exclusive club for defenders a year ago, but if he is able to tally 150 or more steals next season, he could be in line for his debut selection to the All-NBA Defensive First Team.