Fat Lever

Verified Timeline

Lore & Background

Lever's time in Denver was defined by historic statistical feats. On November 6, he posted a franchise-first double-double of 24 points and 18 assists against the Lakers, joining Magic Johnson as one of only two players since the ABA-NBA merger to record multiple regular-season games with at least 24 points and 18 assists. He is one of just three players in NBA history to record a triple-double of 15-plus points, rebounds, and assists in a single playoff game. His dominance was so profound that he remains the Nuggets' all-time leader in steals and sits second in career assists. In his first season with Denver (1984–85), he averaged 12.8 points, 5.0 rebounds, 7.5 assists, and 2.5 steals. He earned an All-NBA Second Team selection in 1987 and an All-Defensive Second Team nod in 1988.

In Their Own Story

The narrative of Lever's Denver career includes a spectacular double-double on November 12, 1985, where he recorded 31 points, 12 assists, and 9 rebounds in a road loss to the Rockets. His impact extended beyond regular seasons; his playoff performances placed him among legends like Wilt Chamberlain and Jason Kidd. On December 2, 2017, the Nuggets honored this legacy by retiring his number 35 jersey (Note: Source says number 12) during a home game against the Los Angeles Lakers, which Denver won 115–100. Lever played alongside Alex English, finishing as the team's second-leading assist leader behind him and third in rebounds behind Issel and English. His tenure ended when he was traded to the Dallas Mavericks in 1990 for a package of draft picks.

Reader's Guide

To understand Fat Lever is to look at his complete statistical profile: he finished his career averaging 13.9 points, six rebounds, 6.2 assists, and 2.22 steals per game. He made two NBA All-Star teams during his tenure with the Nuggets. As of the end of the 2025–26 regular season, he ranks 13th on the all-time list for most triple-doubles in the regular season with 43 over 11 seasons. Notably, among the top 13 career triple-double leaders, Lever is the only eligible player not yet in the Hall of Fame. After leaving Denver, he sat out the entire 1992–93 season due to a knee injury before finishing his career with the Mavericks in 1994. His post-playing career included serving as director of player development for the Sacramento Kings and an analyst for their radio broadcasts.

Did You Know?

• Lever was nicknamed 'Fat' by his younger brother, Elmer Jr., because the boy had trouble pronouncing all the syllables of his name.
• On March 9 against the Pacers, Lever recorded a career-high 10 steals alongside 13 points and 15 assists for his first triple-double.
• He is one of only three players in NBA history to record 15 or more points, rebounds, and assists in a single playoff game.
• Lever was traded by the Nuggets to Dallas in 1990; the Nuggets subsequently used the acquired picks in a complex series of trades involving Miami and Washington.
• As of the end of the 2025–26 season, he is the only eligible player among the top 13 career triple-double leaders who has not been inducted into the Hall of Fame.