The Sacramento Kings Sign Canadian-Born Sim Bhullar To A 10-Day Contract
Sim Bhullar, who did not play in the last two Kings games, will become the first-ever player of Indian descent to participate in an official regular season fixture. The former New Mexico State star has spent this season playing in the NBDL with the Reno Bighorns, where he has averaged 10.3 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 3.8 blocks per game.
This is a long time coming for the Toronto, Ontario, native. Bhullar is part of a golden generation of Canadian talent, led by Andrew Wiggins, that has been drafted or signed in the last few years.
Already, Bhullar will have his biggest fan in Kings owner Vivek Ranadivé, who, in 2013, became the first South Asian to own an NBA franchise.
Recently, Ranadivé, along with NBA commissioner Adam Silver, has been proactive by promoting basketball within the Indian market and its burgeoning population.
Ranadivé has even used Kings player DeMarcus Cousins for promotional videos to get the Indian population to vote the power forward into this past season's all-star game.
If Bhullar is able to seize this chance, he will most certainly be the face of basketball for all South Asian communities across Canada. Most importantly, Bhullar can act as a marketing tool for the NBA in educating this untapped market. Given Bhullar's size at seven feet, five inches, and 360 pounds, he is an appealing find for the Kings.
RDS lead basketball analyst and former University of Massachusetts assistant coach Peter Yannopoulos believes Bhullar has what it takes to succeed. "Sim is a very talented and skilled basketball player," says Yannopoulos. "He has worked extremely hard and diligently to improve his game. He has a high basketball IQ and is a loyal teammate. Off the court, he uses basketball to make an impact in his community and the world."
Bhullar will receive this opportunity to prove his worth with the likelihood of playing for the Kings summer league team to earn himself a chance at a roster spot next fall. He will need to continue his progression, as he has worked hard to lose the unwanted weight he was carrying prior to the season, which many commenters viewed as hindering his playing ability.
As national TSN radio basketball insider and former member of the Canadian national team Dwight Walton pointed out, "He (Bhullar) has good hands and can finish around the rim. He has worked hard to get to this point but is far from being a finished product."
Whenever Bhullar checks into a Kings game, it will be hallmark moment for all South Asians to be proud of. The NBA is on the cusp of entering a market that could have a big financial windfall, similar to what former NBA player Yao Ming set in motion as the face of the Chinese basketball market.
Furthermore, Canada's grassroots programs will inspire another generation of young South Asians to become the next Sim Bhullar. Basketball is at its healthiest in Canada, and the sport will continue to grow.
Feature Image: Keystone Press Agency
Anokhi Blog, Anokhi Media, Basketball, Indian, Nba, Sacramento Kings, Sim Bhullar, South Asian, Sport, Vivek Ranadive
Moe Khan
Author
Moe Khan is a radio host and guest booker on TSN 690 radio in Montreal, Canada. He also is the official play by play voice for McGill University varsity teams on webcast as well as the FlagPlus Football webcast host, and play by play voice for the league's finals. Contact him @MoeKhan19 to catc...
COMMENTS
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE
-
Not Into Flu Shots? Try These Centuries-Old Desi Home Remedies Instead!
-
Diwali Gift Guide: Barbie® Diwali Doll & 8 More Unique South Asian Gift Ideas
-
From Turkey To Tadka: Desi-Inspired Thanksgiving Recipes
-
Mommy's Time-Out: How To Reclaim Your Zen After The Back-to-School Scramble
-
Khichdi Cups & 5 South Asian School Lunch Recipes For Busy Desi Parents
-
6 Complaints Desi Grandparents Have About Keeping Pets & How You Can Counter Them
-
Raksha Bandhan Gift Guide: Celebrate The Festival With A Modern Twist!
-
Summer Elixirs: Healthy South Asian Cooling Drink Recipes To Beat The Heat
-
Stay Cool: Build a Summer Garden Oasis At Home With Tulsi & Shade
-
Celebrating International Yoga Day: Find Your Balance Through Chakra Meditation
-
Spice Up Your Summer BBQ With These 5 Mouthwatering South Asian Recipes
-
South Asian Heritage Month: Journey Through Time With 8 Iconic South Asian Travel Destinations
-
How To Add Ancient South Asian Spiritual Cleansing Rituals To Modern Spring Cleaning Techniques
-
Toronto's Living Luxe Design Show Sets a New Standard for Luxury Exhibitions
-
Savouring South Asian Style: Elevate Your Home Decor with Cultural Flair
-
6 Ways To Create Fun Quality Time With Your Kids & Parents That Both Will Love!
-
Celebrating South Asian Literature: Must-Read Books by Female Authors
-
Flavourful Festivities: Traditional Holi Recipes To Spice Up Your Table
-
The Living Luxe Design Show Presented By JennAir Announces Powerhouse Program Of Speakers
-
7 Ways Yoga Will Save Your Mental Health
-
Ask Dr. Monica Vermani: How Can I Convince My Friend That Her Threatening Boyfriend Is The Problem, Not Me?
-
10 Tips To Manage & Survive Long-Distance Relationships
-
Ask Dr. Monica Vermani: I'm Afraid My Childhood Bully Will Be Back In My Life, What Do I Do?
-
Ask Dr. Monica Vermani: How Do I Create "Me Time" In My Demanding Life?
-
Hot Spot Alert: Mishree Cocktails & Cuisine Exhilarates With South Asian X Middle Eastern Cuisine
-
BioAro Founder Dr. Anmol Kapoor Wants You To Be The CEO Of Your Health
-
Savour the Holidays With This Paneer Pakora Recipe By KFI Sauces!
-
Here's How To Craft And Achieve Meaningful New Year's Resolutions
-
Snack It Up This Holiday Season with Indian-Inspired Potato Wedges by KFI Sauces
-
Butter Chicken Nachos Recipe By KFI Sauces Is Perfect For Your Holiday Spread
-
Ask Dr. Monica Vermani: How Do I Tell My Friend She's Taking My Emotional Support For Granted?
-
Anjali Pathak of Patak's Shares Her Favourite Recipes For The Holiday Season
-
Ask Dr. Monica Vermani: Why Does Our Family Get Togethers Always End With A Fight?
-
Ask Dr. Monica Vermani: How Do I Tell My Sis-In-Law To Stop Intruding In My Daughter's Wedding Plans?
-
Event Alert: The Auric Living Conference Brings Holistic Healing To Toronto
-
Ask Dr. Monica Vermani: I'm On The Outs With My Friend Because I Supported Her Breakup What Do I Do?
-
Event Alert: The Desai Foundation Rings In 10th Anniversary of "Diwali On The Hudson" Gala
-
South Asians & Arthritis: Busting Myths And Sharing Facts About This Disease In Our Community
-
Ask Dr. Monica Vermani: How Do I Convince My Kids That My Granddaughter's Best Friend Is A Bully?
-
Make Your Brunch Brilliant With This French Buckwheat Crepes & Dosas Recipe!
-
Ask Dr. Monica Vermani: How Do I Tell My Sis-In-Law That Her Messy Dog Is Not Welcome At My House?
-
You Just Need A Hot Pot To Make This Amazing Masala Style Vegan Tomato Soup
-
Ask Dr. Monica Vermani: How Do I Tell My Friend To Stop Interrupting Me?
-
Ask Dr. Monica Vermani: How Do I Trust My Husband After He Cheated On Me?
-
Check Out This Insane Recipe For Mini Masala Idli
-
Ask Dr. Monica Vermani: How Do I Tell My Brother That His Cottage Rules Ruins All The Fun?
-
Ask Dr. Monica Vermani: What Do I Do When My Fiancé Shares His Dog With His Ex?
-
Ask Dr. Monica Vermani: How Do I Convince My Partner That Our Six-Year-Old Is To Young For Sleepovers?
-
Ask Dr. Monica Vermani: How Do I Deal With My Friend Who Always Wants To Start A Fight?
-
Here's Why Paris Calls Tharshan Selvarajah The Best Baguette Baker In The City
-
Ask Dr. Monica Vermani: Help! My Bestie Roommate Is A Nightmare
-
Pride 2023: Why Is India's Supreme Court Taking So Long To Legalize Same Sex Marriage?