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.

Verification: http://imgur.com/m7oyra1 More Info: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pete_D'Alessandro

Edit 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

Comments: 259 • Responses: 17  • Date: 

YusoStoopid92 karma

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?

petedalessandro64 karma

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??

IAmRedeemed36 karma

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.

petedalessandro58 karma

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.)

jalebs46 karma

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

petedalessandro36 karma

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

Aykis1617 karma

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

petedalessandro48 karma

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

TheStabbingHobo17 karma

Coke, Pepsi, or RC Cola?

But seriously, I'm a 2012 graduate with a BS in Sports Management. Every organization I apply to, I get the same generic "you need more experience" line. The problem is that I can't get the experience if I can't get the job. Plus, internships that I find specifically ask for current college students.

What can I do to help myself get the necessary experience for a career in the sports industry?

petedalessandro39 karma

But seriously, be willing to work in any capacity in pro sports. My first sports job after law school, I convinced an agent to allow me to answer his phones and a year later I was negotiating contracts.

petedalessandro15 karma

All-time favorite Mello Yello - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pw_slOkXUYE

Jakelshark15 karma

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.

petedalessandro17 karma

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.

xaoc1515 karma

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!

petedalessandro48 karma

Masai is that you?

b_rad_g_198814 karma

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?

petedalessandro31 karma

  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?

gregsactly14 karma

You can only keep one this offseason: Isaiah Thomas or Rudy Gay. Who do you choose?

petedalessandro32 karma

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.

smallforward13 karma

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

petedalessandro23 karma

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

Shout-out to J-Dub!

Aykis1613 karma

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.

petedalessandro17 karma

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.

midnightvoyager11 karma

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

petedalessandro19 karma

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!

Hubie___Brown10 karma

Hey Pete,

How awesome is it to work for Vivek Ranadive?

petedalessandro19 karma

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.

GrimyLilPimp9 karma

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

petedalessandro13 karma

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.

gwiss8 karma

What is your favorite kind of sandwich, and why?

petedalessandro32 karma

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.

dredel847 karma

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?

petedalessandro12 karma

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!