Offensive Game
Consistent contributor whose value came from rebounding and interior presence rather than high-volume scoring. Averaged double figures in several ABA seasons.
Career Journey
Denver Rockets
1967-1974
Byron Beck is a center whose presence anchors the frontcourt defensively and provides rebounding and finishing near the rim with the Denver Nuggets. Over 59 seasons as a professional, he has built a reputation as a dependable presence at the C position, contributing to winning basketball through consistent execution on both ends of the floor.
Byron Beck attended Denver.
Offensive Game
Consistent contributor whose value came from rebounding and interior presence rather than high-volume scoring. Averaged double figures in several ABA seasons.
Defensive Game
Physical, committed defender whose toughness helped establish the defensive identity of an expansion franchise learning how to compete.
Intangibles
Veteran basketball intelligence developed over 10 seasons. His loyalty and consistency reflected a deep understanding of what the franchise needed from him.
All articles
Before there were championships, before there were legends, there was Byron Beck — the first player ever signed by the Denver Nuggets franchise, who wore the jersey for ten straight years. Here is why #40 belongs in the rafters.
Denver Nuggets
Denver Nuggets
Subscribe for in-depth player analysis and stat breakdowns delivered to your inbox.
Denver Nuggets
1974-1976
Personal Life & Family
Status
Married
Parents & Siblings
Off the Court
Colorado community programs
Did You Know?
Beck is the first player ever signed by the Denver Nuggets franchise — making him the Original Nugget in the truest sense, the foundation upon which all subsequent Nuggets history was built.
He played his entire 10-year professional career in Denver, a loyalty that is extraordinarily rare in professional sports and earned him a permanent place in franchise history.
Beck grew up in Colorado and attended the University of Denver, making his entire life — from birth through professional career — connected to the state that the franchise represents.
His retirement ceremony honored not just his play but his symbolic importance as the living link to the very beginning of Denver basketball in 1967.
Career Honors
Denver Nuggets #40 retired
Original Denver Nugget — first player signed by the franchise (1967)
ABA career (1967-1976)
NBA career (1976-77)
Denver Nuggets · Official
699.99
Affiliate link · Disclosure
52.99
Affiliate link · Disclosure
Shop · Worldwide
This page contains affiliate links. We may earn a commission if you purchase through these links, at no extra cost to you.
© 2026 143 Basketball Haven
