Sim Bhullar made NBA history on Tuesday night, becoming the first player of Indian descent to play top-level basketball in the United States.

Bhullar, 22, turned out for the Sacramento Kings, coming on court for the final 16 seconds of their victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves.

The 7'5'' Canada-born player admitted it was a proud moment, having signed a 10-day contract with the Kings last week.

"It's a great feeling for me just to have that role in the community and to be recognised around the world is a great feeling. I am proud to be kind of an ambassador but I think this is just the beginning," Bhullar told Sacramento's website.

He is now hoping his appearance on court, albeit a short one, can influence more children in India to take up the sport.

"Hopefully more kids growing up will see there's a player of Indian descent on the court and hopefully they can follow the game more and get a little more passion for it," he said.