Sim Bhullar

Biography

On April 7, 2015 Sim Bhullar made history when he became the first player of Indian descent to play in an NBA game. The backup centre for the Sacramento Kings checked into the 116-111 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves with 16.1 seconds remaining and was given a standing ovation. Bhullar had been signed to a 10-day contract on April 2 after going unselected in the 2014 NBA Draft. The Kings had previously signed Bhullar in August 2014 but waived him in October. He re-joined the Kings for the 2015 Summer League after spending most of 2014-15 with the Reno Bighorns. In his freshman year at New Mexico State University in 2012-13, he earned WAC Freshman of the Year honours. He helped the Aggies win their second straight WAC Tournament title and was named MVP of the tournament, the first freshman to claim that honour since 1991. He claimed WAC Tournament MVP honours again in 2014. Bhullar was part of Canada’s bronze medal win at the 2010 FIBA Americas U18 Championship. He also played at the 2011 FIBA U19 World Championship.

PERSONAL

Family: Parents Avtar and Varinder moved to Canada from India in 1988… Brother Tanveer plays basketball at New Mexico State University… Sister Avneet… Getting into the Sport: His height made coaches suggest he should try basketball in grade three… Went on to play high school basketball in the United States at age 16… Outside Interests: Attended New Mexico State University… Odds and Ends: Nickname: Sim City…

NOTABLE INTERNATIONAL RESULTS

PAG: 2015 – SILVER

FIBA Americas (U18): 2010 – BRONZE

FIBA WCh (U19): 2011 – 11th