This Punjabi is now a King

Gursimran "Sim" Bhullar became the first player of Indian descent to be on an NBA team's regular season roster after being signed by the Sacramento Kings on Thursday to a 10-day contract.

Born in Toronto, Ontario, Bhullar became the first player of Indian descent to sign with an NBA team when he inked a contract with the Kings on August 15, 2014. The 7ft 5in, 360-pound center was a member of the Kings squad that captured the 2014 NBA Summer League title in Las Vegas.

Bhullar played for the Kings D-League affiliate, the Reno Bighorns and averaged 10.3 points, 8.8 rebounds, 3.9 blocks and 25.8 minutes per game in 39 games, of which he started 17. He led the D-League in field goal percentage and blocks per game. Bhullar recorded 11 double-doubles this season and had a triple-double with 26 points, 17 rebounds and 11 blocks on February 22 versus the LA Defenders.

He will replace David Wear on the King's roster, who had prior signed a ten-day contract with the club. The Kings (26-47) are in thirteenth place in the Western Conference and not in contention for a playoff spot. Sacramento play next on Wednesday night at the Houston Rockets and then play at home on Friday against the New Orleans Pelicans.

Kings owner Vivek Ranadive, who is also of Indian descent, talked about Bhullar after declaring he would compete for a roster spot in August when he said Bhullar "represents one of many that will emerge from that region as the game continues to garner more attention and generate ever-increasing passion among a new generation of Indian fans."