Historic NBA Signing: Kings Sign Bhullar


An historic signing for the NBA expands their worldwide presence.

The Sacramento Kings have signed Sim Bhullar to a new contract, terms of which were not disclosed. The Mississauga, Ontario native went undrafted this year. The historic relevance is though he is a Canadian native and he is the first player of Indian descent to sign with an NBA team, according to the Examiner.

Bhullar averaged 10.2 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 2.9 blocks per game. Bhullar, 21, born in Toronto, played two years at New Mexico State. As a freshman, Bhullar averaged 10.1 points on 62.1 percent shooting, 6.7 rebounds and 2.4 blocks in 35 games and was named WAC Freshman of the Year. Bhullar followed up a solid rookie season with an even better sophomore campaign, averaging 10.4 points on 64.8 percent shooting, 7.8 rebounds, and 3.4 blocks in 30 games.

Bhullar announced his signing on his Twitter page. He wrote, “Dreams do come true! Officially signed my first NBA contract with the @sacramentokings!!”

Standing at 7-foot-5 and weighing 360 pounds, Bhullar is a mountain of a man who clogs up the lane in a hurry. Although his conditioning was an issue at New Mexico State, Bhullar twice earned the Western Athletic Conference tournament MVP award, as well as helping the Aggies reach back-to-back NCAA tournaments.

Bhullar will compete for a spot on the Kings roster behind center DeMarcus Cousins and appears to be a likely candidate for the organization’s Development League team in Reno, Nevada. Although Bhullar is still considered a very raw young talent, the impact of his signing on emerging basketball markets like India is undeniable.

Tip Of The Tower reports Bhullar will join the Kings for their upcoming training camp. Kings Indian-born majority owner Vivek Ranadive took a moment to express his excitement for not only Bhullar, but India as well.

“I’ve long believed that India is the next great frontier for the NBA, and adding a talented player like Sim only underscores the exponential growth basketball has experienced in that nation. While Sim is the first player of Indian descent to sign with an NBA franchise, he represents one of many that will emerge from that region as the game continues to garner more attention and generate ever-increasing passion among a new generation of Indian fans.”

Eligible but undrafted earlier this year, Bhullar played with the Kings summer league team in Las Vegas. Bhullar appeared in four games during that time, playing 10 minutes.

If Bhullar makes the team from training camp, and if he plays, he would be the first person of Indian descent to play in any NBA game.

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