Cliff Levingston is a retired American professional basketball player and coach who won two NBA championships with the Chicago Bulls. He spent 11 seasons in the NBA and also played professional basketball in Europe.
Known for his energy, rebounding, and strong defensive performances, Levingston became a valuable member of several NBA teams. His most memorable years came with the Chicago Bulls, where he played alongside Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen during their first two championship seasons.
After retiring as a player, he continued working in professional basketball through coaching positions with several teams.
His career achievements have made fans curious about Cliff Levingston’s net worth, NBA salary, career earnings, family, and life after retirement. This article covers his basketball career and financial background using information available through 2026.
Cliff Levingston Net Worth in 2027
Cliff Levingston’s net worth is commonly estimated at approximately $2.5 million. However, this figure has not been independently verified through complete public financial records.
Levingston earned substantial money during his professional basketball career. He played for the Detroit Pistons, Atlanta Hawks, Chicago Bulls, and Denver Nuggets in the NBA.
He also spent two seasons playing in Europe, representing teams in Greece and Italy.
After retiring, he continued earning opportunities through basketball coaching. His coaching experience included professional minor leagues and high school basketball.
However, his current personal assets, investments, business interests, debts, and annual income are not fully public.
Therefore, the widely reported $2.5 million estimate should not be treated as his confirmed financial position.
Cliff Levingston NBA Salary and Career Earnings
Levingston began his NBA career in 1982, when salaries were considerably lower than those of modern professional basketball players.
His earnings increased as he became an established forward with the Atlanta Hawks and later joined the Chicago Bulls.
According to Basketball-Reference, Levingston earned at least $4.3 million in documented NBA salary compensation.
His highest listed annual NBA salary was approximately $1.35 million during the 1991–92 season with Chicago.
However, complete salary information from some of his earlier seasons is not publicly available. His European basketball earnings and coaching compensation are also not fully documented.
| Financial Information | Reported Details |
| Estimated Net Worth: | Approximately $2.5 million (unverified) |
| Documented NBA Career Earnings: | At least $4.3 million |
| Highest Listed Annual NBA Salary: | $1.35 million (1991–92) |
| Primary Income Source: | Professional basketball contracts |
| Additional Career Income: | European basketball and coaching |
| Current NBA Playing Salary: | None — retired |
| Current Coaching Salary: | Not publicly confirmed |
| Complete Lifetime Earnings: | Not independently verified |
Note: The documented NBA salary amount represents historical gross earnings, not his present net worth. Basketball-Reference also notes that some historical player salaries are estimates because complete contract records are unavailable.
His NBA salary history and career statistics can be reviewed through Basketball-Reference.
Cliff Levingston Biography and Quick Facts
| Full Name: | Clifford Eugene Levingston |
| Popular Name: | Cliff Levingston |
| Nicknames: | Good News, House |
| Date of Birth: | January 4, 1961 |
| Birthplace: | San Diego, California, United States |
| Age in 2027: | 66 years old from January 4 |
| Nationality: | American |
| Profession: | Former NBA Player and Basketball Coach |
| High School: | Samuel F. B. Morse High School |
| College: | Wichita State University |
| Playing Position: | Power Forward |
| Height: | 6 feet 8 inches (203 cm) |
| Listed Playing Weight: | 210 pounds (approximately 95 kg) |
| NBA Draft: | 1982, First Round, 9th Overall |
| Drafted By: | Detroit Pistons |
| NBA Debut: | November 2, 1982 |
| NBA Playing Career: | 1982–1992 and 1994–1995 |
| European Career: | 1992–1994 |
| NBA Teams: | Detroit Pistons, Atlanta Hawks, Chicago Bulls, Denver Nuggets |
| NBA Games Played: | 830 |
| NBA Championships: | 2 (1991 and 1992) |
| Jersey Number: | 53 with the Chicago Bulls |
| Reported Spouse: | Valerie McCline |
| Children: | Tristan, Naquan, Kelsey, and Chandler |
| Estimated Net Worth: | Approximately $2.5 million (unverified) |
Cliff Levingston’s Early Life and Education
Clifford Eugene Levingston was born on January 4, 1961, in San Diego, California.
He attended Samuel F. B. Morse High School in San Diego, where he developed his basketball skills.
His height, athletic ability, and strong performances helped him become a promising young player.
After completing high school, Levingston attended Wichita State University in Kansas.
He joined the Wichita State Shockers men’s basketball program and played college basketball from 1979 through 1982.
His performances helped him attract attention from professional basketball scouts.
Cliff Levingston’s College Basketball Career
Levingston played for the Wichita State Shockers during an important period in the university’s basketball history.
He developed into a productive forward who could score near the basket, collect rebounds, and contribute defensively.
During the 1980–81 season, Wichita State advanced to the Elite Eight of the NCAA Tournament.
Levingston played an important role in the team’s success alongside other talented players, including Antoine Carr.
In the 1981 NCAA Tournament, Wichita State defeated Kansas in a memorable regional semifinal before losing to LSU in the Elite Eight.
Levingston continued developing his game during his college career and became one of Wichita State’s recognized basketball players.
After his junior season, he entered the 1982 NBA Draft.
The Detroit Pistons selected him with the ninth overall pick in the first round.
Cliff Levingston’s NBA Career and Teams
Levingston began his NBA career in 1982 and played 11 NBA seasons before retiring in 1995.
He represented four NBA franchises during his professional playing career:
- Detroit Pistons (1982–1984)
- Atlanta Hawks (1984–1990)
- Chicago Bulls (1990–1992)
- Denver Nuggets (1994–1995)
He also played for professional teams in Greece and Italy between his time with Chicago and Denver.
A post shared by Cliff Levingston (@cliffgoodnews)
Detroit Pistons (1982–1984)
Levingston entered the NBA after being selected by the Detroit Pistons in the 1982 NBA Draft.
He made his NBA debut on November 2, 1982, against the Cleveland Cavaliers.
During his rookie season, he appeared in 62 games and averaged 5.6 points and 3.7 rebounds.
His performance improved during the 1983–84 season, when he averaged 7.3 points and 6.8 rebounds across 80 games.
He gained valuable professional experience in Detroit before moving to Atlanta.
Atlanta Hawks (1984–1990)
Levingston joined the Atlanta Hawks in 1984 and spent six seasons with the organization.
These years helped him establish himself as a reliable NBA forward.
He contributed through scoring, rebounding, defense, and physical play near the basket.
His best scoring season came in 1987–88, when he averaged 10.0 points and 6.1 rebounds per game.
During his time in Atlanta, he played alongside Dominique Wilkins and other talented Hawks players.
Levingston helped the team remain competitive in the Eastern Conference and participated in several postseason appearances.
After the 1989–90 season, he left Atlanta and signed with the Chicago Bulls.
Chicago Bulls (1990–1992)
Levingston joined the Chicago Bulls in 1990, becoming part of a team led by Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen, and head coach Phil Jackson.
He mainly came off the bench, providing energy, rebounding, and defensive support.
During the 1990–91 season, he appeared in 78 regular-season games and averaged 4.0 points and 2.9 rebounds.
The Bulls finished the season as NBA champions after defeating the Los Angeles Lakers in the 1991 NBA Finals.
Levingston returned for the 1991–92 season and appeared in 79 games, averaging 3.9 points and 2.9 rebounds.
The Bulls won another championship that season, defeating the Portland Trail Blazers in the 1992 NBA Finals.
These two championships remain the greatest achievements of Levingston’s professional playing career.
Cliff Levingston’s Role in the Bulls Championships
Although Levingston was not one of Chicago’s leading scorers, he provided valuable minutes as a reserve forward.
He helped the Bulls maintain their defensive energy when starting players rested.
During the 1991 playoffs, he appeared in 17 games and contributed 2.6 points and 2.4 rebounds per game.
In the 1992 playoffs, he appeared in 22 games, averaging 2.9 points and 1.9 rebounds.
His willingness to accept a supporting role helped Chicago maintain a balanced team during its championship years.
European Basketball Career (1992–1994)
After leaving the Chicago Bulls, Levingston continued his professional basketball career in Europe.
During the 1992–93 season, he played for PAOK Thessaloniki in Greece.
He then joined Buckler Bologna, also known as Virtus Bologna, in Italy for the 1993–94 season.
His time in Europe allowed him to compete in a different basketball environment and gain international experience.
After two seasons overseas, he returned to the NBA.
Denver Nuggets (1994–1995)
Levingston joined the Denver Nuggets for the 1994–95 NBA season.
He appeared in 57 regular-season games, averaging 2.3 points and 2.2 rebounds.
Although he played a smaller role than during his earlier NBA seasons, he brought experience to Denver’s frontcourt.
The 1994–95 season became his final year as an NBA player.
He retired after completing a professional career that included NBA championships and international basketball experience.
Cliff Levingston’s NBA Career Statistics
Cliff Levingston appeared in 830 NBA regular-season games during his career.
He scored 5,888 points, collected 4,307 rebounds, and recorded 752 assists.
| Career Statistic | Total / Average |
| NBA Seasons | 11 |
| Regular-Season Games | 830 |
| Games Started | 216 |
| Total Points | 5,888 |
| Points Per Game | 7.1 |
| Total Rebounds | 4,307 |
| Rebounds Per Game | 5.2 |
| Total Assists | 752 |
| Assists Per Game | 0.9 |
| Total Steals | 534 |
| Total Blocks | 593 |
| Field Goal Percentage | 51.6% |
| Free Throw Percentage | 67.6% |
| Playoff Games | 82 |
| NBA Championships | 2 |
His career averages of 7.1 points and 5.2 rebounds show his contribution as a supporting forward.
He also played 82 postseason games and won two NBA titles.
His complete professional statistics can be reviewed through NBA.com and Basketball-Reference.
Selected NBA Season Statistics
The following table highlights several important seasons from Levingston’s NBA career. Points and rebounds are shown as per-game averages.
| Season | Team | Games | PPG | RPG |
| 1982–83 | Detroit Pistons | 62 | 5.6 | 3.7 |
| 1983–84 | Detroit Pistons | 80 | 7.3 | 6.8 |
| 1984–85 | Atlanta Hawks | 74 | 9.8 | 7.6 |
| 1987–88 | Atlanta Hawks | 82 | 10.0 | 6.1 |
| 1988–89 | Atlanta Hawks | 80 | 9.2 | 6.2 |
| 1990–91 | Chicago Bulls | 78 | 4.0 | 2.9 |
| 1991–92 | Chicago Bulls | 79 | 3.9 | 2.9 |
| 1994–95 | Denver Nuggets | 57 | 2.3 | 2.2 |
Cliff Levingston’s Basketball Coaching Career
After retiring from professional basketball, Cliff Levingston moved into coaching.
He began building his coaching career around 2000 and worked with several teams in minor professional basketball leagues.
His experience as a former NBA player helped him develop skills in player development, team preparation, and basketball strategy.
His coaching background includes positions associated with the Fort Wayne Fury, Dodge City Legend, Harlem Globetrotters, St. Louis Flight, Gary Steelheads, Kansas Cagerz, Oklahoma Cavalry, and Rochester Razorsharks.
He also worked in high school basketball at Marquette Catholic High School in Michigan City, Indiana.
These positions allowed him to share his basketball experience with younger players and professionals pursuing opportunities beyond the NBA.
Was Cliff Levingston the Kokomo BobKats Head Coach?
Yes. Levingston served as the first head coach of the Kokomo BobKats, a professional basketball team competing in The Basketball League (TBL).
However, older biographies that describe him as the team’s current head coach are outdated.
According to a February 2025 report published by The Kokomo Post, his son, Chandler Levingston Simon, returned for his second season as the team’s head coach in 2025.
The report identifies Cliff Levingston as the BobKats’ original head coach.
Therefore, Cliff’s coaching connection with Kokomo remains an important part of his professional history, but his current coaching position should not be described as the BobKats head coach without updated confirmation.
Reliable information about whether he holds another full-time coaching position in October 2026 is limited.
Cliff Levingston’s Awards and Achievements
Levingston earned several important achievements during his playing career.
- NBA Champion: 1991 with the Chicago Bulls.
- NBA Champion: 1992 with the Chicago Bulls.
- NBA Draft: Ninth overall selection in 1982.
- Professional Playing Career: 1982–1995.
- NBA Regular-Season Games: 830.
- Career Points: 5,888.
- Career Rebounds: 4,307.
- European Basketball Experience: Played professionally in Greece and Italy.
- Post-Retirement Career: Coaching experience with several basketball organizations.
His two NBA championships with the Bulls remain the most memorable achievements of his playing career.
Readers interested in other former NBA players who later became coaches may enjoy learning about Craig Ehlo’s basketball and coaching career.
Cliff Levingston’s Wife, Children, and Grandchildren
Cliff Levingston has generally kept much of his personal life away from the public spotlight.
Older biographical reports have identified Valerie McCline as his spouse or partner.
However, recent reliable information confirming his current marital status is limited.
He has been reported as the father of four children:
- Tristan
- Naquan
- Kelsey
- Chandler
His son Chandler Levingston Simon has also pursued a career in basketball coaching.
Levingston has additionally been described in older reports as a grandfather of five grandchildren, although the current number has not been independently confirmed.
Another interesting family connection is his relationship to former professional basketball player Cory Carr, who is his cousin.
Despite his years in the NBA, Levingston has maintained a relatively private personal life.
Cliff Levingston’s Height, Weight, and Age
Cliff Levingston stands 6 feet 8 inches tall (203 cm), and his listed NBA playing weight was approximately 210 pounds (95 kilograms).
He played primarily as a power forward.
His height, strength, and ability to compete for rebounds helped him contribute to several NBA teams.
Levingston was particularly effective around the basket, where he used his athletic ability to score and defend.
During his championship years with Chicago, he wore jersey No. 53.
Born on January 4, 1961, he turns 66 years old on January 4, 2027.
How Cliff Levingston Built His Professional Career
Cliff Levingston began his basketball journey in San Diego before developing into a talented college player at Wichita State.
His strong performances helped him become a first-round selection in the 1982 NBA Draft.
He established himself as a dependable forward with Detroit and Atlanta before joining the Chicago Bulls.
His greatest professional success came during the 1990–91 and 1991–92 seasons, when he helped Chicago win consecutive NBA championships.
After leaving the Bulls, Levingston continued his playing career in Europe and later returned to the NBA with Denver.
He eventually moved into coaching, giving him opportunities to remain involved in basketball after retirement.
These professional experiences are important when discussing Cliff Levingston’s net worth.
However, his complete basketball earnings, coaching income, investments, and financial obligations are not publicly available.
For that reason, his actual personal wealth cannot be determined accurately from the available records.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is Cliff Levingston’s net worth in 2027?
Cliff Levingston’s net worth is commonly estimated at approximately $2.5 million. However, this figure has not been independently verified through complete public financial records.
How much did Cliff Levingston earn during his NBA career?
According to Basketball-Reference, Levingston earned at least $4.3 million in documented NBA salary compensation. His complete lifetime earnings may be higher because European basketball and coaching income are not fully documented.
Which NBA teams did Cliff Levingston play for?
He played for the Detroit Pistons, Atlanta Hawks, Chicago Bulls, and Denver Nuggets during his 11-season NBA career.
How many NBA championships did Cliff Levingston win?
He won two NBA championships with the Chicago Bulls, in 1991 and 1992, as a reserve forward on teams led by Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen.
Is Cliff Levingston still the Kokomo BobKats head coach?
No. Although he was the team’s first head coach, a February 2025 report identified his son Chandler Levingston Simon as the BobKats head coach. Cliff’s current coaching position has not been reliably confirmed.
How many games did Cliff Levingston play in the NBA?
Levingston appeared in 830 NBA regular-season games and 82 playoff games. He finished his regular-season career with 5,888 points, 4,307 rebounds, and 752 assists.
Final Thoughts
Cliff Levingston built a successful professional basketball career through determination, athletic ability, and consistent contributions to his teams.
He played 11 NBA seasons, spent time in European basketball, and became a two-time NBA champion with the Chicago Bulls.
His career totals of 5,888 points and 4,307 rebounds demonstrate his contribution as a professional forward.
After retiring, he continued working in basketball through coaching positions with several organizations.
Although Cliff Levingston’s net worth is frequently estimated at around $2.5 million, his exact financial position remains unverified.
His documented NBA earnings, two championship rings, and coaching experience provide a more reliable understanding of his professional success.
Sources: Basketball-Reference, Land of Basketball, and The Kokomo Post — BobKats Coaching Update.
Over the past five years, Rick C. Nees has written hundreds of NBA players' biographies, some of which have already been published in famous newspapers. He previously worked as- Commentator, Basketball Analyst, Basketball Player, Newspaper Sports Editor, Radio sports presenter. Rick grew up watching basketball leagues. He was a state-level high school basketball player who followed all NBA events since he was a child.
