The Nuggets have had some overlooked lock down defenders.

Nuggets: Top 10 defenders in their history

Memphis Grizzlies v Denver NuggetsDENVER, CO - FEBRUARY 29: Chris Andersen #7 of the Memphis Grizzlies shoots a free throw against the Denver Nuggets on February 29, 2016 at the Pepsi Center 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 2016 NBAE (Photo by Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images)Getty ID: 513163864 /

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DENVER, CO – APRIL 8: Former NBA player Lafayette ‘Fat’ Lever is honored at halftime during the game between the Denver Nuggets and the Los Angeles Lakers on April 8, 2015 at the Pepsi Center 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 2015 NBAE (Photo by Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Lafayette “Fat” Lever: DWS 23.8

Fat Lever was the original triple-double machine for the Nuggets. He is widely revered in Denver for his guard play and his offensive numbers.

Just as spectacular, though, was Lever’s contribution on the defensive end of the floor. He made the NBA all-defensive second-team in 1988 and has a career steals average of 2.2 per game. Like Gary Harris, Lever was both a gifted on-ball defender and a standout passing-lane disruptor.

The same quickness that served Lever so well on the offensive end paid dividends, defensively. Remember, too that he was a member of Doug Moe’s Nuggets tenure and Moe is not necessarily known for his defensive acumen. Still, in the no plays run-and-gun Nuggets style, Lever still managed to put up a higher defensive win share than many players considered more adept, defensively.