The National Basketball Association (NBA) is the preeminent men’s professional basketball league in the world. As the NBA continues its global expansion, India has emerged as a market with huge potential, thanks to its large population and growing interest in basketball.
While there have been a few players of Indian descent who have made it to the NBA or the G-League (the NBA’s official minor league), the number is still small.
However, their journeys have inspired many young basketball players in India to dream of making it big on basketball’s biggest stage.
Sim Bhullar
Sim Bhullar created history when he became the first player of Indian origin to play in the NBA in 2015. Some key facts about his journey:
- 7’3″ (2.20m) tall and weighed over 350 pounds (158kg), Bhullar used his massive frame to his advantage on the court
- Went undrafted in 2014 NBA draft, signed with Sacramento Kings for Summer League
- After solid Summer League performances, he signed with the Kings’ G-League affiliate Reno Bighorns for 2014-15 season
- Averaged 10.3 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 3.9 blocks per game in the G-League
- Signed two 10-day contracts with the Kings in 2015 and played in three games
- First player of Indian origin to score in the NBA
- Currently plays professionally in China
By proving that he could compete against the best big men in the G-League, Bhullar showed that players of Indian origin have the potential to play in the NBA with the right combination of size, skills, and work ethic.
Satnam Singh
While Sim Bhullar was the first player of Indian descent to play in the NBA, Satnam Singh broke new ground by becoming the first Indian player to be drafted into the NBA in 2015.
Here are some key details about his journey so far:
- Drafted 52nd overall by the Dallas Mavericks in 2015
- Second Indian origin player to play in the NBA after Sim Bhullar
- Played multiple years with the Mavericks‘ G-League affiliate Texas Legends
- Averaged less than 2 points per game during his G-League career
- At 7’2″ (2.18m) and 290 pounds (131kg), he brought tremendous size and length to the center position
- Participated in the Mavericks‘ 2018 Summer League camp but was not signed
- Currently plays professionally in Canada
While Satnam Singh did not have a long NBA career, he demonstrated that Indian players have the potential to make it to the highest level of basketball if they get the required opportunities and training from an early age.
Amjyot Singh
Amjyot Singh is the latest Indian basketball player to make inroads into the NBA/G-League system when he joined the Oklahoma City Blue in 2017.
Here is more on his journey:
- Played professionally in Japan after going undrafted in the 2014 NBA Draft
- Signed with the Oklahoma City Thunder’s G-League affiliate in 2017
- Played two seasons with the Blue and averaged 2.7 points per game
- Excelled with the Indian national team at the 2015 FIBA Asia Championship
- Standing at 6’8″ (2.03m), he plays the small forward position
- Known for his versatile offensive skillset and shooting ability
With his performances for the Oklahoma City Blue, Amjyot Singh gained valuable experience competing against high-level competition that should help raise his game.
He continues to be a face for the rising popularity of basketball in India through his continued success.
The Future of Indians in the NBA and G-League
While Satnam Singh, Amjyot Singh, and Sim Bhullar have started the process, many more promising Indian basketball players are on the horizon. Some names to look out for:
- Amaan Sandhu – Power Forward who has trained in Australia and excelled at various youth international tournaments representing India
- Sanjeev Kumar – Point guard with excellent ball handling and passing skills. Has played in multiple international youth tournaments for India.
- Princepal Singh – Athletic 6’10” (2.08m) forward who has represented India internationally. Trained at Spire Academy in the USA.
As the sport continues to grow leaps and bounds in India, more talented players will be on their way to feature in prestigious tournaments such as the Basketball Without Borders and Nike Hoops Summit which can put them firmly on the radar of NBA scouts and decision makers.
With top prospects and future stars developing through grassroots programs and NBA Academies in India, it may not be long before Indian players are competing and thriving in the NBA/G-League at levels never seen before.
Sources:
www.sportingnews.com/in/nba/news/indian-nba-players-history-sim-bhullar-satnam-singh-amjyot-singh-palpreet-singh/19lsdxfhzki6d1eok2s41j19x1
olympics.com/en/news/best-indian-basketball-players-national-team-men-women
