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Flashback Friday: Fat Lever

By Mathew Huff

DENVER- 1990: Fat Lever #12 of the Denver Nuggets looks on during a game played circa 1990 at McNicholls Arena in Denver Colorado. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 1990 NBAE (Photo by Scott Cunningham/NBAE via Getty Images)
DENVER- 1990: Fat Lever #12 of the Denver Nuggets looks on during a game played circa 1990 at McNicholls Arena in Denver Colorado. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 1990 NBAE (Photo by Scott Cunningham/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Fat Lever is not just one of the most underrated players in Denver Nuggets’ history, but also NBA history.

Fat Lever was a fan favorite in the Mile High city. During the 1980’s, he helped form a very dynamic duo with superstar Alex English for the Denver Nuggets.

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Lever was also a key part of the 1985 squad which made it to the Western Conference Finals. The team eventually succumbed to the Lakers, but many forget Lever took control of the leadership reigns in the series since English was out due to an injury.

On top of all of this, Lever is the Nuggets’ own triple double king. During his career, Lever recorded 43 triple doubles over his 11 year career. Before Russell Westbrook went on a tear last season, he was eighth on the all time triple double list.

Oh and did I mention he was also a two time All-Star? Just another factoid to show how underrated Lever is when it comes to NBA history. Lever was able to become a great rebounder for a guard and did well in Doug Moe’s system of up tempo offensive play.

What also goes unnoticed is the fact that he was a great defensive threat on the perimeter. In his first year with the Nuggets, Fat average a nice 2.5 steals per game. Over the next five years of his career, Lever would still find a way to average a little over 2 steals per game.

It was not until he went to the Dallas Maverick when his steal averaged slipped under 2 a game. Fat Lever left his imprint on not just the Nuggets’ organization, but the Mile High itself.

Next: Don't get hopes up for Kyrie

Despite playing under the shadow of the great Alex English, Lever was a vital part of the great Nuggets teams of the ’80’s. All stats and facts were verified via basketball-reference.com.

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