Jouganatos: Kings fans, Let George know He's Got Our Support

Note to the reader: For all of you who continue to support our site, live show, etc. Just know we thank you always and your support never goes unnoticed. I just wanted you to know that.

There's nothing more purer to me in life than talking Kings basketball with people.

And that's saying something considering the team's record this year (and previous seasons) and the fact that it's June and every day I've been waking up thinking about this draft (THE most important draft going forward for the VladFather) and other things involving the team.

But if there's nothing more purer to me in my life than talking Kings basketball, a close second is meeting new Kings fans and talking about the team. Because one of two things is eventually going to happen:

1. We discuss the 02' WCF

2. We talk about why we love this team so much

People seem to ask me about the second one, a lot who aren't Kings fans. Only difference is they're more equipped with the purpose to make the question seem insulting.

"Why do you support a team that's almost never been any good, Keith? What makes it so appealing for you?"

I could think of many reasons. Could always hit em' with the sob story about how my parents divorced at 7 left me emotionally scarred (temporarily I'll add) and how my Uncle and Pops taking me to Arco allowed me to find comfort in my first love as that team. Maybe I go with how the team's small market mentality reflects how I view myself as a common dude who enjoys eating a cheeseburger and wearing white or black t shirts (every. single. day.) in a league that prides itself on the big market (and yet here we are, and here we stay).

Then I think about the one thing I can point to without any hesitation. And then I hit them with the bomb.

"It's the people I've been fortunate to meet through this team" I tell them.

If you're reading this, likely you yourself are indeed a Kings fan by either birth, personal choice, or maybe you just enjoyed Bobby Jackson getting kissed by that woman in the seats.

But in all seriousness think about it for a second. How many people do you know just off the top of your head from being a Sacramento Kings fan? You've tailgated with them, partied with them, gotten drunk with them, and hell maybe you've even fought it out at Henry's Lounge on 9th Street with them (not pointing fingers). How many of them do you consider to be good friends, friends, or just sheer acquaintances that you enjoy seeing during the season?

And maybe for you it doesn't stop there. Because maybe you spend a holiday or two with them, divulge secrets to them because you can feel trusted with your life story around them. Who knows. What we do know is that being a Kings fan, regardless if they win or lose (mostly lose) you are in it for life battling every naysayer, every day (ESPN, Bucher, the people in Seattle who wish your team had moved, etc.). But the people who you meet and the relationships you have made and cherish can get you threw all those cold, losing winters and springs.

One of those people that I have been fortunate to meet has been George Spatz. Along with his amazing wife Peggy, I was able to meet George about three years ago at one of the famous Lot J Tailgates (back before you had to Uber to a game or couldn't find a cheap uber AFTER the game). From the minute we met he was a person i enjoyed talking to. We came from two different worlds and generations, but from the day I've met him he has been able to offer an opinion on basketball and life that comes with a calm, but insightful demeanor.

George and Peggy are two of the most respected and appreciated fans in the Kingdom. Their relationship is life goals for anyone who looks in what to search in for a other half, and their loyalty to the team goes unquestioned. They are season ticket holders at G1C and have even traveled to Reno to watch and support the Reno Bighorns. But what separates them is the ability to care about others besides themselves.

I've never had a conversation with George or Peggy where they haven't inquired about how I am doing or how others have been. They've always tried to help those around them in times of need and have always remained loyal to their friends and family through thick and thin just like this team.

But recently life threw a curve ball at George. About two weeks ago I went over to my co-host Danny Beckham's place to discuss our Draft Party. There he told me that George was going to have a good chance of needing open heart surgery. A couple days later George told many of us that indeed he would have to undergo the surgery.

For a lot of us close to him it has been difficult to process, including myself. On one hand the operation isn't for about ten days or so, but the thought of a lot of things run through your mind. For me I have hoped that things go good and I believe throughout a shadow of a doubt that they will. My guy George is going to be just fine and I believe that fully.

But this whole situation that I've been thinking about for days now has brought me back to why it's important for us to let George know we are thinking about him and pulling for him. Going to games, eating, drinking, celebrating, partying is all good and well. But now is the time for us as his friends and colleagues to put our best food forward in giving to him the love and support that he has always shown us throughout the years.

Now it's time for us as a Kings fandom to let one of our own know that we are with him every step of the way throughout the process that he's about to go through. So when I post this make sure to comment, like, retweet, favorite, share, whatever you gotta do. Just show George a message of your own that we are thinking of him, we wish him well in this procedure and that we appreciate him just like he has always appreciated us.

George if you read this I want you to know how much I value our friendship. I love you, I miss you, and i can't wait to see you on the 22nd.