Fat Lever, born Lafayette Lever on August 18, 1960, in Pine Bluff, Arkansas, became one of the most well-rounded guards in the NBA during his career. Lever's journey to professional basketball began at Arizona State University, where he played college basketball and developed a reputation for his defensive prowess and ability to fill the stat sheet in multiple categories. His collegiate performance caught the attention of NBA scouts, leading to his selection as the 11th overall pick by the Portland Trail Blazers in the 1982 NBA Draft.
Lever's NBA career truly began to flourish after he was traded to the Denver Nuggets in 1984. It was with the Nuggets that Lever became known for his exceptional all-around game. Standing at 6 feet 3 inches, he was not the tallest player on the court, but his ability to rebound, pass, and score made him a triple-double threat every night. Lever's knack for accumulating triple-doubles placed him among the elite guards of his era. During the 1986-87 season, he recorded 16 triple-doubles, a remarkable feat that highlighted his ability to contribute in every facet of the game.
Playing alongside stars like Alex English and Dan Issel, Lever helped the Nuggets become a competitive team in the Western Conference. His defensive skills were equally impressive, as he consistently ranked among the league leaders in steals. Lever's quick hands and anticipation allowed him to disrupt opposing offenses and create fast-break opportunities for his team.
In the 1987-88 season, Lever earned his first All-Star selection, a testament to his outstanding performance and the respect he garnered from coaches and players around the league. He averaged 18.9 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 7.8 assists per game that season, showcasing his ability to contribute significantly in multiple areas. Lever's second All-Star appearance came in the 1989-90 season, further solidifying his status as one of the top guards in the league.
Lever's time with the Nuggets was marked by several playoff appearances, where he often elevated his game. His playoff performances were characterized by his ability to rise to the occasion, providing leadership and clutch plays when his team needed them most. Despite the Nuggets' inability to reach the NBA Finals during his tenure, Lever's contributions were instrumental in their consistent playoff presence.
In 1990, Lever was traded to the Dallas Mavericks, where he continued to demonstrate his skills, although injuries began to take a toll on his performance. Knee injuries limited his playing time and effectiveness, but Lever remained a respected veteran presence on the team. He played with the Mavericks until 1994, when he decided to retire from professional basketball.
Throughout his career, Lever was known for his humility and team-first mentality. He finished his NBA career with averages of 13.9 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 6.2 assists per game, along with 43 career triple-doubles, ranking him among the top players in that category at the time of his retirement. Lever's ability to excel in multiple aspects of the game made him a valuable player on any team he joined.
After retiring, Lever remained involved in basketball, taking on roles such as a community ambassador and working with youth programs.
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