Former NBA player Chase Budinger started his 2024 Olympics off in style, winning his opening beach volleyball match in Pool F with partner Miles Evans on Monday. The duo beat the French team of Arnaud Gauthier-Rat and Youssef Krou in two sets by a score of 21-14, 21-11.
Budinger, 36, spent seven seasons in the NBA with the Houston Rockets, Minnesota Timberwolves, Indiana Pacers, and Phoenix Suns. Injuries cut his basketball career short, but he found a second act in beach volleyball, a sport he excelled in during high school.
Look at Chase Budinger, man 🏀🏐 pic.twitter.com/cmjGhRtWMy
— Brett Usher (@UsherNBA) July 29, 2024
Budinger’s transition from basketball to beach volleyball was facilitated by his substantial background in the sport. He led La Costa Canyon High School (California) to three titles in volleyball before choosing to pursue basketball at the University of Arizona. After his professional basketball career ended, he connected with two-time beach volleyball Olympian Sean Rosenthal, who mentored him on his journey.
In Paris, Budinger’s performance was nothing short of spectacular. He and Evans demonstrated excellent teamwork and resilience, highlighted by a pivotal block by Budinger that helped secure a point in the first set. Their coordination and skill were evident as they seamlessly transitioned from defense to offense, showcasing why they are ranked second in the U.S. and 13th in the world.
2006: Chase Budinger and Kevin Durant win co MVP of the McDonald's All-American Game
2024: Both winning matches for Team USA at the Olympics 🫡 pic.twitter.com/Qobm9wJMog
— Yahoo Sports (@YahooSports) July 29, 2024
It’s also worth noting that Budinger was the co-MVP of the 2006 McDonald’s All-American game alongside Kevin Durant. This accolade highlights his dual-sport talent and underscores his impressive athletic prowess.
Budinger’s Olympic debut is particularly noteworthy given his unique athletic journey. He joins a rare group of athletes who have competed at the highest levels in two different sports. His presence in the Olympics alongside former NBA peers like Kevin Durant, LeBron James, and Stephen Curry is a testament to his versatility and dedication. Reflecting on his career, Budinger expressed his excitement about competing in the Olympics and supporting his former NBA teammates.
Cool to see LeBron James, Kevin Durant, Diana Taurasi, Anthony Davis and Team USA basketball support Chase Budinger at the Olympics. 🇺🇸
Budinger and KD were co-MVPs of the McDonald’s All-American Game. pic.twitter.com/hqKLEpwsQr
— Justin Spears (@JustinESports) July 28, 2024
Budinger’s journey from the NBA to the beach volleyball courts of the Olympics is a remarkable story of resilience and passion, and his success in Paris is a testament to his incredible athletic ability and determination.
Chase Budinger’s NBA Career
Chase Budinger, a talented multi-sport athlete, began his collegiate career at the University of Arizona, where he played basketball for the Wildcats. During his time at Arizona, Budinger was a standout player, showcasing his exceptional athleticism and scoring ability. He declared for the NBA Draft after his junior year.
In the 2009 NBA Draft, Budinger was selected 44th overall by the Detroit Pistons but was subsequently traded to the Houston Rockets. He spent three seasons with the Rockets (2009-2012), where he quickly established himself as a reliable shooter and an athletic forward.
Budinger was then traded to the Minnesota Timberwolves, where he played from 2012 to 2015. Despite facing some injury challenges, he had some memorable performances with the Timberwolves, demonstrating his versatility on the court. His best season came in 2010-11 with the Rockets, where he averaged 9.8 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 1.3 assists per game while shooting 43.5% from the field and 35.2% from three-point range.
After his stint with the Timberwolves, Budinger spent a season with the Indiana Pacers (2015-16) and then moved to the Phoenix Suns, also in the 2015-16 season. His NBA career spanned over seven seasons, and he played in a total of 407 games. Over his NBA career, Budinger averaged 7.9 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 1.2 assists per game.
Budinger’s basketball career was cut short due to injuries, but he had already made a significant impact in the league. His career earnings from the NBA surpassed $18 million, allowing him to retire comfortably.
Transitioning from basketball, Budinger found a new passion in beach volleyball. Leveraging his athletic background and high school experience in volleyball, he quickly rose through the ranks, eventually representing the United States at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Chase Budinger’s journey from a McDonald’s All-American and college basketball star to an NBA player and now an Olympic beach volleyball competitor is a testament to his remarkable athletic versatility and determination. His ability to excel in multiple sports is a rare and inspiring achievement, showcasing his enduring talent and passion for competition.
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