Orlando Magic: 5 goals for Jonathon Simmons in 2017-18

3. Post over 100 steals

The century mark in steals isn’t a mark with exclusive company, as 23 players recorded 100 or more steals during the 2016-17 season, but it is a necessity in establishing elite perimeter defenders.

Simmons is among the best wing defenders, as he was statistically the best individual defender in the league last season, but the 17.8 minutes he played per game severely limited his number of steal opportunities.

Despite the lack of consistent playing time, Simmons still posted 47 steals — the same amount as Kristaps Porzingis, even though he played 772 fewer minutes. Simmons has a knack for clogging passing lanes and anticipating how the dribble will bounce, enabling him to force turnovers.

The physicality Simmons possesses, as he has averaged 4.1 fouls per 36 minutes played during his career, won’t result in as many whistles as he establishes himself as a truly elite defender. With fewer foul calls, Simmons could get more steals and catapult himself into elite company with 100 steals next year.