Check out highlights from Kings GM Pete D'Alessandro's Reddit AMA on Tuesday.
I've been fortunate to be around some amazing people throughout my career starting with Lou Carnesecca (SJU), pioneer sports agent Bill Pollak (my first job as a sports agent), Hall of Famer Chris Mullin (Golden State Warriors), Masai Ujiri & Josh Kroenke (Denver Nuggets), and now the most innovative Owner, Vivek Ranadivé, and it all started with the book "Basketball's Fastest Hands" when I was in 3rd grade.
I'm excited to be here, go ahead and ask me anything!
Jalebs: Who is your favorite player on the team and why is it Travis Outlaw?
Pete: Not only is he a great person, teammate and player. How many pro athletes have a day named after them??? https://twitter.com/travisoutlawday
Gregsactly: You can only keep one this offseason: Isaiah Thomas or Rudy Gay. Who do you choose?
Pete: There's rules against me talking about free agents right now but that is one heck of a choice and those are two very talented players.
YusoStoopid: 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!
- What are some of the biggest needs you see for our team to turn us into a playoff caliber team?
- What do you love most about being with Sacramento?
- How would you assess Ben McLemore's rookie campaign?
- 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?
- What factors do you believe will draw free agents to Sacramento despite our recent history of poor performance?
- What are your plans regarding the stockpile of power forwards on our roster?
- How do you assess this upcoming draft and what are your plans concerning the draft?
Pete: 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!
- I think it's still shooting and playmaking.
- I think the energy and excitement of being part of a startup organization.
- 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.
- 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???
- I think clearly a combination of ownership, a new arena, staff and most importantly our fans.
- Got any others I should be considering?
- 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??
Aykis16: 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.
Pete: 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.
Gwiss: What is your favorite kind of sandwich, and why?
Pete: 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.
Jakelshark: 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.
Pete: 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.
Huble___Brown: Hey Pete, how awesome is it to work for Vivek Ranadive?
Pete: One of the amazing things about working for Vivek is that he challenges us to think differently. He has changed the way I view the game. His vision of NBA 3.0 will surely transform not only this team but also the City of Sacramento.
Xaoc15: 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!
Pete: Masai is that you?
Pete: This has been a blast. Thanks to everyone for the great questions! Definitely look forward to coming back here again soon… If you guys will have me?? https://twitter.com/Pdoro/status/463768770256060417
To view the complete AMA, click here.