Pete D'Alessandro's reddit AMA highlights

Pete D'Alessandro hosted a reddit AMA (ask me anything) yesterday. Basketball fans from around the internet were able to log in, and well... ask him ANYTHING. Pete answered a ton of great questions and covered a wide range of topics. Here are some the highlights.

Pete D'Alessandro took time out of his day today to answer a few questions, from anyone who dared to ask, when he took part in a reddit AMA Tuesday afternoon.  I know what you're thinking (section214)... "What the heck is reddit and what does Pete D'Alessandro have to do with the American Music Awards?!"

Lemme break this down for you guys. reddit.com is an entertainment/news website that focuses on anything and everything. All of the most interesting stories/links/videos of the day eventually get posted to reddit where users with an account can vote up or down the internets' most interesting offerings.  Posts with the most votes are granted the most visible spot on what's arguably the world's most popular website or... "The Front Page of the Internet."  Each particular post is sub-categorized into groupings of a similar topic called, "subreddits," and one of the most popular subreddits is the AMA (Ask me anything). The rules of the AMA are as simple as the name would suggest. The host slides behind the keyboard while reddit's members hit them with a barrage of questions on any topic under the sun.

Lots of great questions were asked and as you can imagine Pete wasn't able to get to most of them. You can hit up the full AMA to read the entire transcript HERE. The format can be a be a bit confusing for the uninitiated so i'll run down some of the highlights for you. You might even recognize some of the users asking questions from the pages of StR:

Reddit user YusoStoopid (hehehehe) starts us off with a list of the best questions asked by frequenters of the "subreddit" dedicated to the Kings.

[–]YusoStoopid79 points10 hours ago

Hi Pete, i'm a moderator at /r/kings which is the subreddit on this website about the Sacramento Kings. I have compiled some of the top questions that Kings fans in /r/kings have posted. Please take your time to answer as you feel sufficient. And go Kings!

1) What are some of the biggest needs you see for our team to turn us into a playoff caliber team?

2) What do you love most about being with Sacramento?

3) How would you assess Ben McLemore's rookie campaign?

4) A lot of Kings fans talk about adding a true center next to Demarcus so he can play powerforward as he did in his rookie year. What is your perspective on this?

5) What factors do you believe will draw free agents to Sacramento despite our recent history of poor performance?

6) What are your plans regarding the stockpile of power forwards on our roster?

7) How do you assess this upcoming draft and what are your plans concerning the draft?

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[–]petedalessandro[S]52 points10 hours ago

What's up /r/kings, we have the best fans in the world and it starts right here on reddit. Thanks for all that you do to support us!

1. I think it's still shooting and playmaking.
2. I think the energy and excitement of being part of a startup organization.
3. I think he had a great opportunity and coach put a lot of faith in him. In talking to Ben after the season ended, he understands how important this summer is to take the next step. We're excited about his future.
4. It's something I've honestly been considering since the day I got here. It is amazing that a big man can be so versatile and we're really fortunate that we can even have this discussion and I'd really like to know what our fans think about this. Can we get a little help from redditors... DeMarcus at PF or C???
5. I think clearly a combination of ownership, a new arena, staff and most importantly our fans.
6. Got any others I should be considering?
7. This is the first time I've had ample time to prepare for the Draft and as I said in my interview with Vivek, I like using all resources from scouts to analytics to even reaching out to our fans. Any of you who have met me have probably had me ask you your opinion of the Draft and free agents. I'm wide open to any thoughts, thoughts??

Pete discusses the merits of kidnapping and time travel.

[–]IAmRedeemed24 points9 hours ago

Build a time machine back to 1999, kidnap Chris Webber, Peja Stojakovic, Mike Bibby, Doug Christie, Vlad Divac, and the bech mob.

SACRAMENTO KINGS 2015 NBA CHAMPIONS.

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[–]petedalessandro[S]49 points9 hours ago

Great idea, I'm reaching out to my analytics department as we speak. With our ownership group we should be able to get this done. (Of course 1999 Pete might have had a mullet. You might not want to see that.)

Obligatory Travis Outlaw question.

[–]jalebs49 points10 hours ago

Who is your favorite player on the team and why is it Travis Outlaw?

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[–]petedalessandro[S]35 points10 hours ago

Not only is he a great person, teammate and player. How many pro athletes have a day named after them???https://twitter.com/travisoutlawday

Pete provides some insight into the Rudy Gay trade and reveals that the front office always thought he'd be a great pairing next to DMC.

Can you describe the process of the Rudy Gay trade?

Specifically who approached whom (did you have a discussion with Memphis before?), how you envisioned him fitting into the offensive system with other high usage players, and the sort of negotiations involved in a trade like that.

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[–]petedalessandro[S]14 points9 hours ago

Rudy was someone early on who we identified as being a good fit for our team and specifically alongside DeMarcus. In general trades develop over time and there is an early conversation which leads to subsequent talks. Many times the first conversation may appear to be a dead-end but then ultimately becomes a trade. The Rudy Gay trade followed a similar path.

Pete tells us who surprised him most this season.

[–]b_rad_g_198811 points10 hours ago*

Who surprised you the most this season?

What was your homework for Travis Outlaw to prepare for next season?

Will you be attending Travis Outlaw day?

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[–]petedalessandro[S]25 points9 hours ago

1. Ray McCallum, I'm so impressed a guy can go from being on the bench to playing 40 minutes a game. Anyone who has played basketball knows how much of a challenge that is.
2. To join /r/Kings
3. Yes, if I can get 10 or more /r/Kings redditors to join me. Road trip?

Pete makes us LOL.

[–]xaoc1511 points9 hours ago

Hi Pete, being a huge kings fan in toronto, im really liking the new ownership, management and direction the team is going. It might be the most unlikely thing ever, but im hoping for a kings/raptors finals series soon so I can watch the team play more than once a year. Keep it up!

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[–]petedalessandro[S]32 points9 hours ago

Masai is that you?

Amongst other things, midnightvoyager (note to self... "Midnight Voyager" would be an awesome band name) asks Pete about the plethora of moves he made last season.

[–]midnightvoyager10 points9 hours ago

Pete D, I have a few questions if you'd care to answer....

1) What inspired you to make so many moves this last season? The opening night roster was nearly completely different from the closing night roster, something previously unheard of in Sacramento Kings basketball.

2) How close are you with Vivek and Coach Malone? What is the dynamic between you three like? I imagine it is pretty close, probably closer than most GM’s/owners/coaches.

3) We’re not supposed to ask about free agency or draft choices, but hypothetically, which current NBA player would be your first choice to build a team around? In other words, if you had first pick in an entire league-wide expansion draft for the upcoming season, with no protected players, which player would you take and why?

4) There's never been a GM AMA on reddit that I've seen, so I want to ask what a typical day in the life of a GM consists of.

Thanks! And Go Kings! #foreverpurple

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[–]petedalessandro[S]18 points9 hours ago

I'll answer what I can here... One thing I know for sure is if something isn't working we have to change and that goes in any business. We will never sit complacent in this organization under Vivek. Vivek, Coach Malone and I speak daily about EVERYTHING in the organization. I believe that culture starts with staff and organization, and Vivek has set the tone. I don't think I'm the first, Rockets GM Daryl Morey has done a few. I was kind of hoping to get a question from him on this AMA. He missed his opportunity. Sorry Daryl! ;) The typical life depends on the time of year. One thing is consistent and that is your cellphone never stops. Thanks for the great questions!

Akis wonders who the Pete thinks is the ideal front court partner for DeMarcus.

[–]Aykis1614 points10 hours ago

Hey Pete! DeMarcus Cousins has been established as the franchise cornerstone this year, and I was wondering what your thoughts were as to his ideal frontcourt partner. I know it is the opinion of many that a shotblocker of some sort would probably be best but there are obviously more factors involved.

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[–]petedalessandro[S]17 points10 hours ago

I think the great part about DeMarcus is his versatility whether he's at the 5 or the 4, a defensive-minded front-court partner could help the team.

Want to become a GM? Pete tells you how.

[–]dredel845 points10 hours ago

Hi Pete. Born and raised in Sacramento, my parents were season ticket holders from 1985-2009, I am a HUGE Kings fan. I had a question about you and your career.

My question is, how did you make the jump from the legal profession to the NBA? I know you worked as a video coordinator at St. Johns and then at a sports agency. Did that help you land the director of basketball operations job with the warriors? I am a young attorney and always dreamed of doing something similar to your career path. Any advice to those who would like to follow in your footsteps?

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[–]petedalessandro[S]11 points9 hours ago

My first job in the NBA was at a sports agency (I was previously a Campaign Manager for a Congressman). I decided to make the jump into sports and refused to accept 'no' as an answer. I literally took a job as a receptionist for a sports agent, worked my way to VP, which led me to director of Basketball Ops at Golden State and ultimately Assistant GM. My advice is be willing to sacrifice and be humble. Do whatever it takes to get into the field. Good luck!

I give Greg credit here. He could have stopped with the softball "favorite sandwich" question but he DOESN'T.  He makes Pete explain WHY, and this tactic elicits the most touching/genuine sandwich related answer i've ever seen.

[–]gwiss8 points10 hours ago

What is your favorite kind of sandwich, and why?

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[–]petedalessandro[S]25 points9 hours ago

My grandmother who passed away was from Sicily. She used to make this sandwich on fresh Italian bread with tomato, olive oil and sea salt. I know how simple it sounds, but since she's passed away, I've never had one so good. Seriously, love that woman and still feel her influence today.

Done deal guys... JWill is back in the purple and black next year. You heard it here first.

[–]smallforward10 points10 hours ago

if Jason Williams circa 2000 was a free agent this summer would you look into signing him with this team?

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[–]petedalessandro[S]19 points9 hours ago

Looks like he can still play - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bM06UzJXbAo

Apparently you can find Pete at One Speed if you want to run your ESPN trade machine ideas by him.

[–]GrimyLilPimp8 points10 hours ago

What are some of your favorite Sacramento institutions/eateries/shops?

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[–]petedalessandro[S]14 points9 hours ago

Definitely a fan of One Speed in East Sac, Mulvaney's and sometimes Corti Brothers for lunch but there are so many great places here to eat. I'm taking suggestions for other places if anyone has some recommendations.

StR always asks the hard hitting questions.

[–]Aykis1615 points10 hours ago

From the fans at Sactown Royalty: "Would you rather fight one DeMarcus Cousins-sized duck or 100 duck-sized DeMarcus Cousinses?"

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[–]petedalessandro[S]37 points9 hours ago

C'mon guys, I wouldn't even want to fight one mouse-sized DeMarcus Cousins. Next question...

[–]smallforward4 points10 hours ago

rec

[–]HeuristicLineup7 points10 hours ago

STR always dropping the hard hitting important questions. This must be answered.

And finally... this is why we can't nice things.

[–]Dub_TC0 points10 hours ago

Pete, how does it feel to be KFipp's twin?

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[–]TGjerky1 point9 hours ago

hahahah, he had to get rid of Donte just so he would stop calling him KFipp

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