The Sacramento Kings and Sim Bhullar recently made history when the 7'5" center became the first player of Indian descent to sign an NBA contract. The Kings owned by software magnate Vivek Ranadive, also of Indian descent, signed Bhullar to a 10-day contract from Sacramento's D-League affiliate, the Reno Bighorns.

The 22-year-old was born in Toronto, Canada to migrant parents from Punjab. He was a two-time Western Athletic Conference Tournament Most Valuable Player while playing for New Mexico State University. Despite his respectable college career, he went undrafted in last year's draft, but was brought into training camp by the Kings.

In 39 games for the Bighorns, Bhullar averaged 10.3 points 8.8 rebounds, and 3.9 blocks as he continues to develop after coming out of college with weight and conditioning issues.

"NBA is a hard league to get into. The aim is to get better day by day. Reaching the where I am at was hard," Bhullar said, "For me it was mostly about getting my body weight down, more like an NBA player, like an athlete. I feel I run quicker now, running up and down faster, the jump is higher too."

As noted by The Hindu, Bhullar has lost some 16kg during his progression into finally becoming an NBA player. He donned the Kings jersey for the first time Friday in a game against the New Orleans Pelicans, but did not get to play.

"Let me tell you first, it is a proud day for all the Indians. Sim has earned the right to be part of the NBA. He is a very skilled player, plus the way he shoots, moves and defends, so the skill part is an important addition to his game. He is doing all he needs to do to be an established NBA player and I see a bright future for him," Ranadive was quoted saying.