Former NBA player Chase Badinger has switched to professional beach volleyball, and on Friday, local time, in the second round of the Avp Manhattan Beach Volleyball Open, Badinger and teammate Sean Rosenthal were defeated by the No. 9 seed.
Bartinger, 30, has played seven seasons in the NBA, playing 407 regular-season games for the Rockets, Timberwolves, Pacers and Suns, averaging 19.7 minutes and 7.9 points, 3 rebounds and 1.2 assists.
In March, Badinger said in an interview that he had started his first professional beach volleyball career. At that time, Badinger said that he would not return to the NBA at the moment. And his goal is to reach the 2020 Olympics.
Bardinger talked about his transition from hardwood floors to sand in between preparations for his next game.
"One thing I didn't expect was that you had to deal with all the elements," Badinger said, "and you have to deal with the sun, the heat, the humidity, and the wind." There was no wind at the beginning of our race, but by the end of the race it was already windy. ”
"You have to adapt to all these things, and that's the biggest learning curve for me." Badinger said.
Speaking of the technical capabilities he needs to improve, Badinger said: "It is to improve your ability to block nets. I think this has always been one of the weak points that has frustrated me the most, so I feel that I can definitely improve this ability. ”
On 28 October 2016, Bartinger was cut by the Nets, after which he signed with Basgoña of the Spanish League for one season.
Badinger said he can't go back to the NBA, and he doesn't want to play professional basketball overseas.
"I really don't play overseas anymore," Badinger said, "and I didn't have a great experience there." Long season of 9 months, different time zones, no friends around, etc. ”
"So I think that's the right time for me to change careers. Playing volleyball has always been my plan, and my plan after I ended my basketball career was to come out and play volleyball. ”
Speaking of his life now, Badinger said: "Yes, it's a good way to live. Every day you come to the beach, and this is your workplace. You are bathed in the sun and the sea is all around you. ”
(Editor: The Wind of Change)