The Sacramento Kings made history on Thursday, by signing Sim Bhullar to a 10-day contract.

After inking the deal, the native of Toronto, Ont., became the first NBA player of Indian descent.

The 7-foot-5, 360-pound Bhullar is being called up from the King's NBA Development League affiliate, the Reno Bighorns, where he averaged 10.3 points, 8.8 rebounds and 3.9 blocks in 39 games, while shooting 72.7 per cent from the floor.

The 22-year-old centre, who was born to Indian parents in Toronto, will be on the roster Friday and could make his debut against the Philadelphia 76ers.

Indian businessman, Vivek Ranadive, purchased the Kings two years ago and has been vocal about trying to expand the league's presence in his native country.

Bhullar went undrafted out of New Mexico State, but joined the Kings in training camp and was told he would have a chance to compete for a roster spot.

At the time, Ranadive called India the "next great frontier" for basketball.

He added that Bhullar "represents one of the 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."

In his two seasons at New Mexico State, he twice won Western Athletic Conference tournament MVP and led the club to back-to back appearances in the NCAA Tournament.

Bhullar averaged 10.2 points, 7.2 rebounds and 2.9 blocks in 65 career games at New Mexico State.

With files from The Associated Press