Feature: When Kingdom Come

My dad didn't raise me as a Kings fan. I didn't grow up in Sacramento and didn't cheer for the local sports team. And even as a kid, I thought those old powder blue jerseys were some of the ugliest in the NBA. So how exactly did someone who's never even been to California become a die-hard Sacramento Kings fan at the age of 12? All it took was a couple of Mitch Richmond cards... and a lot of naivete.

The pieces in "When Kingdom Come" are a collection of thoughts, memories, and observations on how the Kings have impacted my life, from the way Robert Horry broke my heart (and television) to the time Kevin Martin almost bought me a lap dance at a Dallas strip club. As Sacramento attempts to reclaim its spot amongst the league's elite teams, this feature delivers an unbiased perspective from a displaced fan on the opposite coast.

Columnists

Alex Kramers

Articles in this feature

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• Kings' Isaiah Thomas Finishes 7th on Rookie of the Year Ballot

  Despite the disappointing finish, the "Mr Irrelevant" label officially no longer applies to this rising star in Sacramento.

  Opinion by Alex Kramers — on May 15, 2012

• Kings Waive J.J. Hickson

  The Sacramento Kings waive forward J.J. Hickson.

  Opinion by Alex Kramers — on Mar 19, 2012

• Kings' Isaiah Thomas Is Mr. Relevant

  Isaiah Thomas, the 60th and final pick in the 2011 NBA Draft, wins the NBA Rookie of the Month award for February.

  Opinion by Alex Kramers — on Mar 02, 2012

• How Sacramento's Jimmer Fredette Got His Groove Back

  Kings rookie Jimmer Fredette has rediscovered his shooting touch during an up-and-down season.

  Opinion by Alex Kramers — on Feb 08, 2012

• A Rivalry Renewed?

  After defeating the Los Angeles Lakers in the 2011-12 season opener, the Kings look to reignite an old rivalry.

  Opinion by Alex Kramers — on Dec 27, 2011

• The Sacramento Kings Look To Party Like It's 1999

  The 2011-12 Sacramento Kings bear strong similarities to the 1998-99 team that emerged as a surprise playoff contender.

  Opinion by Alex Kramers — on Nov 28, 2011

• Sacramento Kings Rookies Impress in Jimmer's All-Stars Game

  The Sacramento Kings rookies, Jimmer Fredette, Tyler Honeycutt and Isaiah Thomas, put on a show in an exhibition game.

  Opinion by Alex Kramers — on Sep 23, 2011

• Kingdom Interviews: Jason Thompson (Part II)

  Sacramento Kings forward Jason Thompson discusses his offseason and thoughts on his own and the team’s future potential.

  Interview by Alex Kramers — on Aug 22, 2011

• 1-on-5: Sacramento Kings 2011-12 Preview

  My responses to ESPN.com's top five questions about the 2011-12 Sacramento Kings.

  Opinion by Alex Kramers — on Aug 19, 2011

• Sacramento Kings' Jason Thompson and Camden Riversharks Host Fundraiser

  Sacramento Kings forward Jason Thompson discusses his L.I.V.E. Like JT campaign prior to Saturday's fundraising event.

  Interview by Alex Kramers — on Aug 18, 2011

• Sacramento Kings Deal Omri Casspi for J.J. Hickson

  The Sacramento Kings trade Omri Casspi and a conditional draft pick to the Cleveland Cavaliers for J.J. Hickson.

  Opinion by Alex Kramers — on Jun 30, 2011

• A Ring for a (Former) King

  Mike Bibby and Peja Stojakovic, teammates on the 2001-02 Sacramento Kings, vie for a championship ring in the 2011 NBA Finals.

  Opinion by Alex Kramers — on May 31, 2011

• Back to the Future for the Sacramento Kings

  After months of drama and uncertainty, the Kings will play in Sacramento next season.

  Opinion by Alex Kramers — on May 04, 2011

• Kings Swap Carl Landry for Marcus Thornton

  The Kings send forward Carl Landry to the Hornets in exchange for guard Marcus Thornton.

  Opinion by Alex Kramers — on Feb 23, 2011

• Cousins and Dalembert Lead Kings' Charge

  Big men DeMarcus Cousins and Samuel Dalembert have led the Kings on a surprising winning streak.

  Opinion by Alex Kramers — on Feb 01, 2011

• Kings of Chemistry

  The Sacramento Kings look to regroup and get back on the winning track at the midway point of the season.

  Opinion by Alex Kramers — on Jan 19, 2011

• Kingdom Interviews: Scott Howard-Cooper

  NBA.com writer Scott Howard-Cooper talks about the Kings' glory years and gives his expectations for the current season.

  Interview by Alex Kramers — on Dec 16, 2010

• A Kingdom In Disarray

  After years of rebuilding, the new look Sacramento Kings have the worst record in the NBA.

  Opinion by Alex Kramers — on Dec 08, 2010

• Kingdom Interviews: Marty McNeal

  Former Sacramento Kings beat writer Marty McNeal discusses his experiences during the team's glory days and his expectations for the current season.

  Interview by Alex Kramers — on Nov 29, 2010

• Donté Can't Get the Greene Light

  Donté Greene has inexplicably gone from being the Kings' small forward of the future to completely irrelevant.

  Opinion by Alex Kramers — on Nov 08, 2010