Sacramento Kings Sign Sim Bhullar, First Player of Indian Descent in NBA
- Photo courtesy of @SacramentoKings Twitter
Sim Bhullar, who signed a deal Thursday night to join the Sacramento Kings, became the first player of Indian descent in the NBA. Terms of the contract have yet to be disclosed.
”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,” said Kings owner Vivek Ranadive. ”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.”
Still just 21 years old, Bhullar first began proving himself at New Mexico State University, where he averaged 10.4 points, 7.8 rebounds and 3.4 blocks per game in two years. He led the Aggies to consecutive tournament bids and won the Western Athletic Conference tournament MVP honors twice during his stint at NMSU.
At 7’5″, how well Bhullar’s body is able to adapt to the NBA will determine the longevity of his career. His height and size are both advantages and disadvantages. If he can cut down some of the excess weight, his legs will have less to support – enabling him to play longer.
“Guys my size don’t have very long careers and you have to take advantage of it and do the best you can with the time you have to play,” said Bhullar. “I didn’t want to get hurt in another college season and ruin my chances. And I’m not the kind of guy that’s doing it just to make money right away; I just want to play at the highest level.”
Rohit Ghosh is a Senior Writer for www.Rantsports.com. Follow him on Twitter @RohitGhosh. “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.
