The Paris Olympics have brought together athletes from all corners of the globe, but for former NBA player Chase Budinger, it was also a heartwarming reunion with old friends. Budinger, who transitioned from basketball to beach volleyball, found himself in the company of basketball legends LeBron James and Kevin Durant during the opening ceremony.
Budinger, now 36, made headlines when he qualified for the Olympics as part of the US beach volleyball team. His journey from the hardwood to the sand is nothing short of inspirational. After a seven-year NBA career, Budinger embraced his passion for volleyball, a sport he grew up with, and worked tirelessly to reach the Olympic stage.
During the opening ceremony, Budinger shared a special moment with his former NBA peers. LeBron James and Kevin Durant, who are leading the US men’s basketball team, greeted Budinger with open arms.
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
This reunion was particularly nostalgic for Budinger and Durant, who were co-MVPs of the 2006 McDonald’s All-American Game. Their paths diverged as Durant became one of the NBA’s biggest stars, while Budinger carved out a unique career in beach volleyball.
