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In today's era of high-powered offenses and free-flowing basketball, defense can be an oft-overlooked aspect of the game.
However, the popular notion that defense wins championships is just as applicable today as it ever was, and forcing turnovers and gaining extra possessions can play a major role in determining the outcome of a game.
Steals are an important aspect of the game as they can help trigger fastbreaks and result in relatively easy transition buckets.
Steals require great anticipation, speed and reflexes and players like John Stockton, Gary Payton, and Jason Kidd mastered this particular art.
More recently, the likes of Chris Paul, Ricky Rubio, and many others have gained a reputation for being among the top stealers in the league.
On that note, here are the 5 best single-season steals totals for players since 2000.
#5 Ricky Rubio (191 steals - 2013/14)
One of just two active players on this list, Ricky Rubio has not quite developed into the elite point guard many had predicted he would become when he was drafted by the Minnesota Timberwolves back in 2009.
Rubio has struggled to develop a consistent jumper, but he remains a top defender.
In the 2012/13 season, Rubio averaged 2.4 steals per game, trailing only Chris Paul in that category.
He went one better the following season, amassing a total of 191 steals in 82 games and topping the steals charts. He also set a record for the most steals in a season by a Timberwolves player, surpassing Tyrone Corbin's 175.
#4 Baron Davis (191 steals - 2007/08)
Baron Davis was drafted third overall by the Charlotte Hornets in 1999 amid much hype. Despite showing initial promise, Davis failed to live up to expectations over the course of his career.
Davis' performances ranged from amazing to appalling and he was often criticized for a lack of effort on the court.
However, when locked in, he was one of the best defensive guards of his time. A 2-time All-Star, Davis led the league in steals during his final season with the Golden State Warriors (2007/08), finishing with 191 steals to his name.
Davis guided the Warriors to a 48–34 record that season, but it wasn't enough to secure a playoff berth.
#3 Chris Paul (216 steals - 2008/09)
Chris Paul was drafted with the fourth overall pick in the 2005 NBA draft by the New Orleans Hornets. During his time with the Hornets, he went on to develop into one of the league's finest point guards.
In just his fourth season with the franchise, Paul led the league in steals, finishing with 216 for the season. However, despite finishing at the top of the steals charts for the second season in a row, Paul failed to guide the Hornets to a playoff spot.
#2 Chris Paul (217 - 2007/08)
Chris Paul features for the second time on the list. Paul managed 216 steals in the 2008/09 campaign, which was one less than what he had managed in the previous season.
Paul ended the 2007/08 season with a whopping 217 steals to his name, averaging 2.7 per game.
His efforts ultimately went in vain though, as New Orleans failed to secure a playoff spot, finishing 12th in the Eastern Conference Standings.
#1 Allen Iverson (225 steals - 2002/03)
Allen Iverson made plenty of headlines for his antics away from the NBA, but on the court, he is among the finest to have ever played the game.
Iverson was selected with the first overall pick by the Philadelphia 76ers in the 1996 NBA draft and went on to have a Hall of Fame career.
Iverson was a prolific scorer of the basketball and averaged 26.7 points per game over the course of his career.
Despite not being a great defensive player, Iverson tended to be a menace in passing lanes and is a three-time steals champion. He is also 13th on the all-time steals leaderboard with 1,983 to his name.
In the 2002/03, 'The Answer' set an NBA record for most steals in a season when he registered a whopping 225 steals to his name. Iverson could not inspire his side to a ring though as Philadelphia crashed out in the Eastern Conference semifinals to Detroit. Nevertheless, he was still rewarded for his efforts with a spot in the All-NBA second team.
