– by FRAN BLINEBERRY
When 7-foot-5 Sim Bhullar signs a 10-day contract with the Kings on Thursday, he will become the first player of Indian descent on an NBA regular season roster, but will increase the number of countries and territories represented in the league to 38.
Bhullar’s name is also one slightly familiar to the Kings’ head coach because he’s played this season with George Karl’s son Coby in the NBA D-League on the Reno Bighorns.
“I can’t deny I know very little about him other than he’s strong,” Karl said. “Their season has been an interesting season. I’ve watched some of their games. My son is playing for their team now.
“He adds an interesting dimension to the game. Our game is becoming an international game and India is becoming maybe one of the greatest, biggest, largest democracies in the world. I think it’s a good story and hopefully we’ll find some minutes for him.”
The 22-year-old Bhullar has reportedly shed more than 50 pounds since weighing in at over 400 for his stint with the Kings in the 2014 Las Vegas NBA Summer League. He has spent this season with the Bighorns, averaging 10.3 points, 8.8 rebounds and 3.8 blocked shots in 25.8 minutes per game.
Bhullar is expected to be on the roster for the Kings next home game Friday night against the New Orleans Pelicans. He will replace David Wear, whose 10-day contract expires Thursday.
Raised in Toronto by Indian-born parents, Bhullar played on an AAU team with NBA players Andrew Wiggins and Anthony Bennett. He was a walk-on at New Mexico State, helping the team to consecutive appearances in the NCAA tournament.
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