Interview with Sim Bhullar: "Overwhelmed by the support India has shown in achieving my dream"

Kings signed a 10 day contract with the player

On April 2, Sim Bhullar became the first Indian-origin basketball player to sign for an NBA franchise. The 22-year old’s career has drawn a full circle, after originally being cut by the Sacramento Kings, he was resigned on a 10-day contract to play out the rest of the NBA regular season.

However, the return to the top of the food chain has not come easy for the 7 foot 5 inch talisman. After being cut from the roster, he played the entirety of the regular season in the D-league, a far cry from the glitzy NBA.

From going undrafted to fighting back and cementing a contract with the Kings, Bhullar highlights his comeback and Indian identity in an interview with Sportskeeda.

Along with Bhullar, Kings’ Indian owner Vivek Ranadive also shed some light on Sacramento Kings and India.

Q. Firstly, how was your first outing with the Kings?

Sim: It was a hard fought loss, New Orleans Pelicans played really. Despite the fact that I didn’t get game time, I was just happy being there, training with the team and shooting some hoops. It’s a privilege putting on the Kings uniform and it’s our amazing feeling.

Q. You just had one day’s practice heading into this game, what are the aspects you learnt?

Sim: I was just going through the plays and drills of the team and trying to figure out where I fit in the best. My attempt was to understand their style of play.

Q. How influential is India in your Canadian way of life?

Sim: My whole family are ‘very Indian’ and I grew up as a complete Punjabi. My parents moved to India at a very young age and I am as Indian as I am Canadian. My roots are very strong.

Q. What did George Karl tell you before the start of the game?

Sim: He was happy that I was here and told me that he was following my progress at Reno Bighorns.

Vivek: The coach Geroge Karl is also very happy with his progress.

Q. What was your training regime like at D-league side Reno Bighorns?

Sim: We did a lot of fitness training as it was a high-paced game, albeit not as much as the NBA though. Shot a lot of three pointers and worked specifically on my rebound. Among the physical aspects, I have lost a lot of weight, which has also increased my game time. Basically focussing on being a better player!

Vivek: The great aspect with about Bhullar is that the has worked on bettering his game, which adds to his size advantage. This would make teams adjust their game around him.

Q. How difficult was the transition from college to the D-league and then eventually the NBA?

Sim: In all honesty, there is a massive difference, once you climb the ladder. It was very hard for me in the beginning, but once I hit the learning curve, it was just about sticking to the basics and concentrate on being a better player. Also, credit to the coaches who pushed me to be a better player.

Q. Does the tenure of the contract bother you in any way?

Sim: For me to be successful at the Sacramento Kings, I have to prove myself in these 10 days. If I do manage to prove myself I hope to extend my stay here. At this point, I am just happy that Sacramento gave me a chance to play and I hope to prove them right.

Q. Keeping in mind the Indian connect that the Sacramento Kings have, do you have plans on expanding to India?

Vivek: Most definitely, we are planning on setting up a few academies there and growing the sport at every level. We have been in touch with Mukesh and Anil Ambani regarding a potential Monsoon League to help grow the sport.

Apart from that Kings are in close touch with Scott Flemming, we are hoping to try out for the D-league team. We are also planning on opening an academy there.

Q. So what next for Sim Bhullar?

Sim: My main aim is to get an opportunity to play for Sacramento again, after my contract runs out.

Vivek: We are more than delighted to have him here.