Byron Beck

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A. Byron Beck (born January 25, 1945 in Ellensburg, Washington) is an American former professional basketball player.

A 6'9" forward/center from the University of Denver, Beck is one of six players (along with Louie Dampier, Gerald Govan, Bob Netolicky, Stew Johnson, and Freddie Lewis) to have participated in all nine seasons (1967–1976) of the original American Basketball Association, playing for the Denver Rockets (later Denver Nuggets). Beck was not blessed with superior athleticism, but he was a hard worker known for his tenacious rebounding and efficient hook shot, and he represented Denver in two ABA All-Star Games (1969 and 1976).

Beck also played one season in the National Basketball Association after the Nuggets merged with that league in 1976, and he retired in 1977 with 8,603 career ABA/NBA points and 5,261 career rebounds. On December 16, 1977, he became the first player in the Denver franchise to have his jersey number (#40) retired.