SACRAMENTO, CA, Thursday, October 4, 2007 --- The Sacramento Kings today hired Lafayette “Fat” Lever as Director of Player Development, it was announced by Kings’ President of Basketball Operations Geoff Petrie.
Lever, who owns and operates a construction business in Phoenix, has been involved over the past several years with NBA-based programs such as NBA Cares and Legends of Basketball.
“We’re really excited to have Fat join our staff,” said Petrie. “He had an outstanding career in the NBA. He’s worked with the NBA Cares program and he’s been involved with the community in Phoenix. We think he brings a lot of qualities which will contribute to improving our players’ overall experience in the NBA and life.”
An 11-year NBA veteran, Lever, who was originally selected by the Portland Trail Blazers in the first round of the 1982 NBA Draft (11th overall) out of the Arizona State, was considered one of the league’s best point guards in the late 80’s while playing for the Denver Nuggets.
“I’m excited about the opportunity,” explained Lever. “I’m confident in the position. I’ve worked in this capacity before, and I know what I’m doing. I’m not overly confident, but I’m confidently optimistic.”
Lever played two years for the Trail Blazers before being traded to Denver prior to the beginning of the 1984-85 season. He enjoyed a six-year career with the Nuggets in which he finished as the franchise’s leader in all-time steals and second in career assists. Lever’s best year, statistically, occurred during the 1988-89 campaign when he averaged 19.8 points, 9.3 rebounds and 7.9 assists per game for Denver.
Lever’s last three NBA seasons were spent playing for the Dallas Mavericks (1990-92 and 1993-94). He amassed career averages of 13.9 points, 6.0 rebounds, 6.2 assists and 2.22 steals per game in 752 outings. Lever is one of only three players in NBA history to record 15-plus points, rebounds and assists in a single playoff game (the others being Jason Kidd and Wilt Chamberlain). He played in two NBA All-Star Games (1988 and 1990) and was selected to the All-NBA Second Team in 1987 and All-Defensive Second Team in 1988.
