2021: Budinger reunited with Casey Patterson and the duo was the top team on the AVP Tour. They played in the championship in all three AVP tournaments, winning twice. On the year they were 15-3 in matches, with all three losses coming to Tri Bourne and Trevor Crabb. Budinger was seventh in hitting percentage (.454) and ninth in blocks (1.37 per set). Budinger played twice with Patterson internationally, losing in the qualifier both times, then played twice with Troy Field, winning a silver medal in Rwanda.

2020: Budinger and Chaim Schalk played in the three AVP tournaments in Long Beach, finishing third twice. Budinger was fourth in aces (.63 per set), sixth in blocks (1.15 per set) and eighth in hitting percentage (.392). The duo competed internationally once, losing in the country quota. 

2019: Budinger formed a partnership with Casey Patterson, playing in seven AVP events together. The pair won once, finished second twice, and third three times. Budinger and Patterson had an impressive 25-1 record when winning the first set. Budinger was fourth on the Tour in hitting percentage (.480) and fifth in blocks (1.60 per set). Budinger and Sean Rosenthal competed once on the FIVB Tour, then he paired with Patterson for 10 tournaments, getting a best of fifth three times.

2018: Budinger began playing on the AVP Tour with Sean Rosenthal. The duo played six times, with a best of second. Budinger ranked sixth on the Tour in kills (6.98 per set) and eighth in hitting percentage (.454). The tandem played five times on the FIVB Tour, with a best of ninth.

2011: Budinger competed in his first pro beach volleyball event in a domestic tour with Dane Jensen, finishing 33rd.

College: Budinger was a three-year starter in basketball at Arizona, playing in the NCAA Tournament each year.

Personal: Budinger was the 44th pick in 2009 NBA Draft with the Detroit Pistons and was then dealt on draft night to the Houston Rockets.  Budinger played 407 games in the NBA over seven seasons from 2009 until 2016 with the Houston Rockets, Minnesota Timberwolves, Indiana Pacers, and Phoenix Suns. He competed in the 2012 NBA Slam Dunk Contest. Budinger has an older sister, Brittanie, who played volleyball at San Francisco, and an older brother, Duncan, who played on the AVP. In high school Budinger was rated as the No. 4 basketball player in the country by Rivals.com while also being named the Mizuno National Player of the Year by Volleyball Magazine.