Sim Bhullar makes history as first player of Indian descent to play in the NBA

Canadian played 16 seconds for the Sacremento Kings

Tom Sheen
Wednesday 08 April 2015 11:28 BST
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(AP)

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Sim Bhullar became the first player of Indian descent to play in the NBA after making his debut for the Sacremento Kings.

Bhullar, 22, played only 16.1 seconds as the Kings beat the Minnesota Timberwolves but made history.

The 7ft 5in, 25-stone centre, who was born in Ontario, Canada, after his parents migrated from the Punjab and was signed to a contract just under a week ago.

After impressing for the New Mexico State Aggies at college level he went undrafted in last summer's draft and after spending summer camp with the Kings was let go.

He joined the Reno Bighorns of the D-League before joining the Kings on a 10-day contract.

"It was a great feeling and I'm happy to be kind of an ambassador," he said after the game.

"Hopefully more kids growing up will see there's a player of Indian descent on the court and we can get a couple more Indian NBA players."

Bhullar is seen as a project player who could one day develop into a serviceable pro.

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