SACRAMENTO–

For more than 30 years, R.E. Graswich – as a reporter then a columnist – covered the Sacramento Kings. The franchise became a part of his life, so it just seemed right for him to write a book about saving the team.

“I was a broadcaster talking about them. Finally, of course working at the mayor’s office, I was helping with the arena project so really it was a natural fit for me to take a look at a team, at an organization at a phenomena that I have been involved with for a good half of my life,” said Graswich.

The name of the book, “Vagrant Kings: David Stern, Kevin Johnson and the NBA’s Orphan Team” is a fitting title for a team that nobody wanted. According to Graswich, former NBA Player and Mayor Kevin Johnson didn’t even care for the franchise because it had passed on him.

“It devastated Kevin. So what Kevin did was really turn his back on the Kings. He disdained them, he didn’t care about them up until the hour really. What he had done for the arena, I think, is separate from the Kings. He understand how important they are to the community, but more importantly he understands how important the arena [is] not only as a job incinerator but as a cultural gathering place,” said Graswich.

It is a book that reveals the drama surrounding keeping the Kings in Sacramento – a must read if you want to understand why Sacramento loves the Kings.

“I wondered how many people know why we care. And when you read this book, from the origins of the depression era of Rochester NY 1938 all the way out to 2013, you’re gonna find out why you love the Sacramento Kings,” said Graswich.