One could come away with a number of contrasting takeaways from the 2020-2021 NBA season for the Utah Jazz.

On one hand, the Jazz surpassed expectations in the regular season as they finished with the best record in the NBA with a notable 52-20 record. More so, they once again proved to be more one of the durable defensive teams in the league as they posted a team 107.5 defensive rating, which ranked third in the league behind the Philadelphia 76ers (107.0) and the Los Angeles Lakers (106.5)

However, regular season success means little to nothing if teams can not translate it over into the playoffs. In the NBA, teams do not celebrate division titles or pop-off champagne bottles for finishing with the top record in the league. And while the Jazz accomplished both of these feats last season, they became somewhat of a laughingstock after being eliminated by the Kawhi Leonard-less Los Angeles Clippers in the Western Conference Second Round.

The Jazz head into the upcoming campaign with plenty of hefty expectations to build on last season's success, and the team could possibly achieve this trio of feats.

Jazz once again break team records for points per game and 3-pointers per game

Last season was quite a historic one for the Jazz in team history.

With a balanced offense filled with potent low post scorers and reliable shooters from beyond the arc, the Jazz set team records for points per game (116.4) and 3-point field goals made per game (16.7).

The array of score-first talents on the team allowed the Jazz to achieve this feat with ease. The likes of Donovan Mitchell and Mike Conley often found grand success in beating their defenders with a multitude of on-ball moves. More so, the team had five different players average at least 2.5 3-point field goals made per game, including team leader Mitchell (3.4).

As the Jazz are bringing back every core offensive player from last season, it should not be much of a surprise if the team goes on to once again break these two notable records. Sure, many are projecting for the Jazz to regress from last season's high-octane play on the offensive end. But with Jazz head coach Quin Snyder's renowned and creative offensive sets, this should not be the case at all.

Donovan Mitchell earns a spot on the All-NBA Second Team

It was a surprise to many that Donovan Mitchell was not selected to any All-NBA team last season.

Mitchell showed over the 2020-2021 NBA season that his superb play in the bubble was far from a fluke run. He upped his points per game average for the third straight season thanks to a keen 26.4 average. The 6'1″ guard also recorded 19 30-plus point games last season, which included a 32-point showing in a statement 13-point road win against the Milwaukee Bucks.

While the NBA today is filled with tenacious on-ball, score-first guards, Mitchell well has what it takes to make the All-NBA Second Team this upcoming season. To achieve this feat, the Jazz star may need to post a points per game average of at least 27.0 and notch multiple 40-plus point games in must-watch games.

Jared Butler emerges as a key contributor

There was much anticipation over how former Baylor Bears star and Jazz 2021 second-round draft pick Jared Butler would perform over the team's Summer League schedule. However, Butler wound up being left off of Utah's Summer League roster as he was not cleared to play due to the fitness-to-play protocol. Medical concerns over the guard's heart condition also played a factor in his slide from being a possible first-round pick to a 40th overall selection.

Still, the Jazz front office must have been well impressed with Butler's performances for the Baylor Bears over their 2021 NCAA Tournament-winning run, which included a keen 22-point showing in the championship game against Gonzaga.

The former Baylor star certainly has a chip on his shoulder to prove doubters wrong in his rookie season. And while playing time minutes may be scarce for the guard out of the gate this season, he can still find a role with the team as an off-ball offensive threat.

Butler shot a keen 41.6 percent from 3-point land in his junior year with the Bears, which was a notable increase from his sophomore campaign (38.1 percent). As the Jazz are one of the more lethal catch-and-shoot 3-point shooting teams in the league, Butler can make a place with the team in this area of play. Whether in transition sequences or off screens, the 6'3″ guard must be able to not only create shot separation via his off-ball movement but also become a reliable shooter for the team.

Butler will be a mainstay on the backend of the team's depth chart this season, but at the least, the rookie will be provided with moments to shine.

The Jazz may again surpass expectations over in the upcoming season.