Sim Bhullar makes NBA history with Kings appearance

Sacramento, California: Sacramento Kings back-up centre Sim Bhullar made history on Tuesday night when he became the first player of Indian descent to play in an NBA game.

Bhullar, who was born in Ontario, Canada, and played in college at New Mexico State, checked in with 16.1 seconds remaining in the Kings’ 116-111 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves.

A crowd of 16,770 gave the 7ft 5in Bhullar a standing ovation when he replaced Jason Thompson and lined up along the key while teammate Ray McCallum took the second of two free throw attempts.

Signed to a 10-day contract on April 2, Bhullar did not attempt a shot.