Former NBA player Chase Budinger opens Olympics account with beach volleyball win

Chase Budinger has made a surprising transition to beach volleyball.

Former NBA player Chase Budinger opens Olympics account with beach volleyball win

Former NBA player Chase Budinger now plays Beach Volleyball for team USA

Chase Budinger, a former NBA player, has started his 2024 Olympics campaign in beach volleyball on a high note, winning his opening match in Pool F alongside partner Miles Evans. The duo defeated the French team of Arnaud Gauthier-Rat and Youssef Krou in two sets, 21-14, 21-11.

Budinger, 36, had a seven-season NBA career with several teams, including the Houston Rockets, Minnesota Timberwolves, Indiana Pacers, and Phoenix Suns, averaging 7.9 points and 3.0 rebounds per game. However, injuries cut his basketball career short, leading him to pursue a second act in beach volleyball.

Budinger has a substantial background in volleyball, leading his high school team to three titles and later linking up with two-time beach volleyball Olympian Sean Rosenthal as a mentor. His transition to beach volleyball has been successful, and he is now competing in the Olympics alongside NBA players he once played with, including Kevin Durant.

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Budinger’s journey from the NBA to the Olympics is an inspiring one, showcasing his determination and versatility as an athlete. His win in the opening match is a promising start to his Olympic campaign, and he will look to continue his success in the beach volleyball competition.

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From NBA courts to beach volleyball, Chase Budinger’s unconventional journey 

Chase Budinger has made a surprising transition to beach volleyball, representing the USA at the Olympic Games in Paris. After seven years in the NBA and a brief stint in the EuroLeague, Budinger has traded his basketball shoes for sandals and is now competing in a new sport.

I just really try to take away my work ethic that I had in basketball and really just translate it over to beach volleyball… You know what, this is my profession, this is my job… I've started this new chapter in my life, which is beach volleyball, but I still love watching it, you know, I love the NBA.
Chase Budinger to Three-time Olympic Gold Medalist Kerri Walsh Jennings

Budinger’s journey is a testament to his athletic versatility and passion for sports. He grew up in a volleyball family and played the sport in high school before focusing on basketball, where he earned $10 million in NBA contracts. His reunion with former basketball peer Kevin Durant in Paris highlighted his unconventional path.

Budinger’s move to beach volleyball reflects his desire to push his limits and explore new challenges. As he competes in the Olympic Games, Budinger’s story serves as a reminder that it’s never too late to try something new and pursue a different dream.

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