Will he be the first?
7-5 Sim Bhullar submitted his name for the 2014 NBA draft despite the fact he‘s considered a project. You might be unfamiliar with him since he only played two years at New Mexico State. On his 7-5 frame is packed 330 pounds which certainly would make him the largest player in the NBA. Bhullar was born in Canada however his parents emigrated from India; he could become the first Indian NBA player.

Bhulllar has worked out steadily in an effort to improve his stamina and game conditioning. Bhullar is limited offensively however his height and shot-blocking ability makes for a look-see by scouts. He might be half way to a pro contract even if it‘s not in the NBA. The Albuquerque Journal is reporting the Harlem Globetrotters have drafted him; in addition he’s signed to play for the Sacramento Kings in the Summer League.

Two of a kind----perhaps
Mizzou is recruiting Montaque Gill-Caesar a 6-6 215 pound small forward. Gill-Caesar plays for Huntington Prep and last season was a teammate of Andrew Wiggins.  The two also share citizenship from the same nation our northern neighbor Canada.  Gill-Caesar is from Vaughn, Ontario a city in the greater Toronto metro.  Rivals.com awards him 4-stars and rates him the number 31 prospect in the Class of 2015. There is no intention on my part to indicate he’s headed to Mizzou. Ohio State, Memphis and Kansas are also recruiting Gill-Caesar. Two weeks ago 5-star prospect Thon Maker visited the campus. For fans its fantastic Mizzou is recruiting along with the “Big Boys.”

It’s sad
The championship run by Miami ended with little contribution by 7 foot 273 pound Greg Oden from Ohio State. Oden the number one draft choice in 2007 was projected to have a game similar to that of the great Bill Russell. That was the label hung on the young man but then injuries and surgeries set in, five in all. The injuries and resulting surgery robbed Oden of the promise once held at the time he was drafted by the Blazers

Portland fans were even sadder when they witnessed the skills of Kevin Durant whom their team could have chosen.  The 2008-09 would be his high water mark playing 61 of the 82 game NBA schedule, he would never again come close to that number. The Heat signed him for the 2013-14 season figuring they would need his height to combat the Pacers Roy Hibbert. He played in 23 games for the Heat during the regular season but only 3 throughout the entire playoffs. Although he’s only had two stops in the NBA it’s pretty apparent his NBA career is over which is very sad.

Bits n Pieces
School is in session, NBA Summer League that is. Summer League games are held in two locations, Orlando and later Las Vegas and run from July 5-21. It’s our first opportunity to see a number of the June draft players in action against free-agent rookies and second year players. The games are available on NBA TV, if you happen to be vacationing in the Orlando-Las Vegas areas you can take in a game in person.

Who plays the point for the Lakers this upcoming season? Veteran and injury-riddled Steve Nash is still on the roster. As this is written there is a question if he’s still on the roster in January. Former lottery pick Kendall Marshall is still in town and it’s likely he makes the team. As mentioned the team made a draft day trade for Jordan Clarkson who is a point guard but can play the off-guard too. Age factor advantage Marshall and Clarkson (both age 22), veteran factor advantage Nash. As for Clarkson he was projected to be a late first round pick that slipped into the second round.