'Satnam Singh can inspire Indian kids, put India on the world basketball map'

Retired NBA standout Kevin Martin was recently asked whether hiring Satnam Singh for NBA was a populist move, or based on sporting spirit?

“I think it could be both. [Regardless of other reasons] You have to be very talented to get drafted in the NBA. To become the first player ever from India to get picked is a big statement. Satnam’s case proves a couple of things. Players can come from anywhere — a small town in Ohio, in my case, or a place across the world in India — and get drafted. It also proves that it’s tough to hang in, in the NBA. You have to work twice as hard once you get picked.

"My advice to Satnam would be to put his handprint on basketball in India. He can inspire kids, because he did get that far, and make sure he is not the only one from India to get drafted in the NBA. There also are a number of quality pro leagues beyond the NBA — in places like Europe, China and Australia — where Satnam and other Indian players could try to play.”