Phoenix Chapter President: Fat Lever
Fat Lever, selected by the Portland Trail Blazers as the 11th pick in the 1982 NBA draft out of Arizona State, joins the National Basketball Retired Players Association as president of the Phoenix chapter.
Among Lever's career achievements were making two NBA All-Star teams, an All-NBA Second Team in 1987, and an All-Defensive Second Team in 1988. Lever played with the Portland Trail Blazers from 1982-84, Denver Nuggets from 1984-90 and Dallas Mavericks from 1990-94.
As of the end of the 2018-19 regular season, he ranks 8th on the all-time list of most triple-doubles in the regular season with 43 over 11 seasons, ahead of players like Michael Jordan (28), Clyde Drexler (25) and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (21).
He ended his career as the Nuggets second leading assists leader, behind teammate Alex English, third in terms of rebounds, behind Dan Issel and English.
On December 2, 2017, the Nuggets retired Lever's number 12 jersey during their home game against the Los Angeles Lakers.
Recent Phoenix Chapter Events
Pickle Brawl Tournament
Members of NFL Alumni and the Phoenix & Las Vegas chapters of NBA Alumni teamed up for a charity Pickle Brawl tournament on July 16, 2024 at Vegas Indoor Pickleball.
Pickleball Tournament
The Phoenix Chapter of the NBRPA, led by Chapter President Fat Lever, have been very active in their community in recent months, including hosting a bowling tournament and facing off against NFL alumni in pickleball. Most recently, the Phoenix Chapter hosted a summer camp with local youth that included hoops, arts & crafts, a discussion about mental health, and a nutritious lunch at George Gervin Preparatory Academy.
Holiday Toy Drive
To help spread the spirit of the holiday season throughout Arizona, the Phoenix Chapter of the NBRPA participated in the second annual One Team One Dream Foundation’s Children’s Christmas Event on December 16, 2023. Phoenix Chapter members, along with current and former NFL players including Michael Pittman Jr, Zach Moore and Ben Patrick, hosted local youth to enjoy holiday treats and receive Christmas presents provided by Toys for Tots.