Byron Beck

Byron Beck is a former American professional basketball player who played in both the American Basketball Association (ABA) and National Basketball Association (NBA). He spent his entire professional career with the Denver Rockets and Denver Nuggets franchise.

Player Profile

Byron Beck was born on January 25, 1945, in Ellensburg, Washington, United States of America. He stands 206 cm tall and his weight was listed at 102 kg. Beck played as a right-handed shooter and played a forward and a center.

High School and College Career

Beck attended Kittitas High School in Kittitas, Washington. He then played college basketball for the University of Denver from 1963 to 1967.

Professional Career

Beck was selected by the Chicago Bulls with the 15th overall pick in the 2nd round of the 1967 NBA Draft. However, he chose to sign with the Denver Rockets of the newly formed ABA.

Beck was one of only six players to play in all nine seasons of the original ABA (1967–1976). The other players were Louie Dampier, Gerald Govan, Bob Netolicky, Stew Johnson, and Freddie Lewis.

He spent his entire ABA career with the Denver Rockets, who later became the Denver Nuggets. Despite not being blessed with superior athleticism, Beck was known for his hard work, tenacious rebounding, and efficient hook shot.

When the ABA merged with the NBA in 1976, Beck played one final season with the Nuggets in the NBA before retiring in 1977. On December 16, 1977, Beck became the first player in Denver franchise history to have his jersey number (#40) retired.

After his basketball career, Beck moved to Kennewick, Washington where he worked as an engineer.

Career Highlights

• 1969, 1976 - ABA All-Star
• No. 40 retired by the Denver Nuggets

Career ABA and NBA statistics

• Points - 8,603 (11.5 ppg)
• Rebounds - 5,261 (7.0 rpg)
• Assists - 978 (1.3 apg)