Ex-Rebel ‘blessed’ to be with Spurs

However, his play hasn’t been quite good enough to land him a spot on an NBA roster.

The former UNLV guard is playing for San Antonio in the NBA Summer League, hoping to get a shot at sticking come fall. Sunday, Beck hit five straight shots en route to a 13-point performance off the bench in the Spurs’ 92-86 win over New Orleans at Cox Pavilion.

Beck was sensational while playing for Mexico in the 2007 FIBA Americas Tournament at the Thomas & Mack Center.

Beck said he’s just trying to make as positive an impression as possible.

“It seems like I know every little spot on this court,” Beck said. “I feel like I have an advantage over the other guys.

“I thought this was a good opportunity. (San Antonio) has been on me ever since the FIBA Tournament. I just feel blessed to be in this position.”

Beck, 27, spent this past season in the D-League with the Dakota Wizards. In 16 games, he averaged 15.9 points and 2.9 assists.

Prior to that, he was playing in Croatia for Zadar. However, he left after a money dispute. Beck claims the team owes him about $250,000.

“I’m not happy about it, but at least I can go play where I want,” he said. “I’m hoping this works out (with San Antonio). If not, maybe some other team will give me a shot. I’ve also got opportunities in Spain and Italy, so no matter what happens, I’ll be playing somewhere.”

* REMEMBERING MANOR — Before the Memphis-Oklahoma City game, there was a brief ceremony in honor of Metropolitan Police officer James Manor, who died after being involved in a collision with another vehicle on Flamingo Road on May 7.

* LEND-LEASE? — The Charlotte Bobcats drafted Gerald Henderson last month. So what was the former Duke star doing playing for the Minnesota Timberwolves on Sunday?

David Kahn, the Wolves’ president of basketball operations, said he was doing Bobcats coach Larry Brown a favor.

“Charlotte didn’t have a summer league team, and Larry wanted the kid to have a summer league experience,” Kahn said. “We’re glad to have him with us.”

Henderson had a tough time in his debut with his “new” team, going scoreless in 18 minutes as the Wolves fell to Houston, 79-65.

“I didn’t know what I was going to do,” Henderson said. “So when I had an opportunity to come out here and play, I thought it was the best thing for me.”

He was reunited with Wayne Ellington, his high school teammate and later his college rival at North Carolina.

“That was fun,” Ellington said. “I didn’t expect to see him here, but it was a nice surprise.”

* JAPANESE TEAM VISITS — The Japan National Basketball Team is in town to scrimmage some of the summer league teams as the NBA looks to expand its brand in that country.

The Japanese team scrimmaged the Hornets Saturday, then played the D-League Select team Sunday at the Cox practice facility.

The squad will face the D-League team one more time before leaving town Wednesday.

Contact reporter Steve Carp at scarp@reviewjournal.com or 702-387-2913.