Sim Bhullar hopes to get new contract

“The NBA is very professional. It is completely another level. I learned so much. Talent isn’t the only thing. You have to work hard every day if you want to be in NBA and prove yourself there. I developed great relationships there. There was huge support for me,” he said.

“I am hopeful to come back to the Kings next season. (Team owner) Vivek (Ranadive) said me to keep working and hope in future something is really coming up. Coach (George) Karl told me I did all I was supposed to do. But at the moment I am not thinking too much. “Being the first on an NBA roster of Indian descent, wearing the Kings jersey was great. The time you are there you can prove yourself and have belief you belong here,” Bhullar added.

Bhullar is on a week-long visit to India to promote the growth of basketball and inspire children to stay active and healthy by playing the game. He will help train the top 140 youth from across India who participated in the Reliance Foundation Junior NBA programme, the NBA’s premier grassroots event.

“This is my fourth time in India. I am excited to return. Getting involved with kids, spread the word everything is possible. The NBA and Reliance Foundation partnership is doing an amazing job. Getting young kids involved.

Coaches at young age bring you up, it is a big thing. Lot of young Indians are coming up. Around one million kids are playing basketball here. Hopefully the basketball will improve,” he added.

The burly hoopster was amazed with the response he got after becoming the first player of Indian descent on an NBA team’s regular season roster. “I have got tremendous response from everywhere after featuring in the NBA. Basketball-playing kids in India see me as a role model and getting involved with those kids is great,” he said.