iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Zack Venero @contrariancorner.bsky.social · 02/10/2026

My review of @blocparty.com 7th album is live on @indiebasketball.bsky.social basketball If you know me, you know this band means a LOT to me. The record has been pretty divisive, but I think some of the reaction misses the bigger picture. Tap in here - www.indiebasketball.com/articles/blo...

indiebasketball.com

Bloc Party - Anatomy of a Brief Romance — Indie Basketball

2026 • CONTAGIOUS / VIRGIN • INDIE ROCK / ALTERNATIVE

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Zack Venero @contrariancorner.bsky.social · 10/09/2026

Got them fangers working again! New piece on one of my fav players, Dylan Cardwell. Cover his overlooked rook year, what I believe he’s capable of, what he means to the culture, and why he’s the glue of the next great Kings team

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John Hollinger @johnhollinger.bsky.social · 18/05/2026

Two Sacramento Kings legends, Mike Brown and Dennis Schroder, will now face off in the Eastern Conference finals.

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Zack Venero @contrariancorner.bsky.social · 08/05/2026

Def a strong contender! Sadly the vast majority of seasons have a solid argument.

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Zack Venero @contrariancorner.bsky.social · 08/05/2026

First new words in a minute. This one took a lot out of me — frustration, a few tears, a few beers, multiple walks away from the computer, then a few more tears — all in the process of breaking down my beloved Kings and the five worst seasons of the last 25 years. Tap in

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Zack Venero @contrariancorner.bsky.social · 12/03/2026

One of my fav records from 25 from the homie, Cutouts. Dark, thoughtful synth w/ teeth, swagger, + pop sensibility. Got to chat him up a smidge too; included some interesting tid bits that informed the piece @indiebasketball.bsky.social . www.indiebasketball.com/articles/wat...

indiebasketball.com

WATCHING THE TAPE: Cutouts Is 2025’s Best Kept Darkwave Secret — Indie Basketball

2025 • 4AD • DARKWAVE / INDIE

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Zack Venero @contrariancorner.bsky.social · 05/02/2026

I’m just relieved Ja didn’t get foisted on the Kings

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Oh No He Didn't @ohnohedidnt24.bsky.social · 01/02/2026

Moussa Cisse did a kip up after blocking a shot lol

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Zack Venero @contrariancorner.bsky.social · 01/02/2026

That’s fair - I will however continue to be a dummy and hold out hope for that 14%.

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Zack Venero @contrariancorner.bsky.social · 01/02/2026

I’m about 86% with you here. But if Perry somehow pulls off a second move that uses the extra roster spot to dump one of the bigger, more toxic vet deals for smaller pieces and real draft capital, it might end up being worth it.

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Zack Venero @contrariancorner.bsky.social · 29/12/2025

@lakersnation.bsky.social tell your boys that this is Terrence Davis’s mug not Precious Achiuwa.

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Greg @gwiss.bsky.social · 25/12/2025

Merry Christmas, everyone!

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Zack Venero @contrariancorner.bsky.social · 24/12/2025

Sat down with the homie @indiebasketball.bsky.social to talk rising artists, hoopers on the come up, Christmas Day games and traditions, and more. Available in all the pod holes.

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Zack Venero @contrariancorner.bsky.social · 23/12/2025

Noticing a shift with the Kings past few games. Young guys getting real tick, vets hurt and taking back seat, and passion? Oh, and Dylan Cardwell’s smile is the effing best!

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Zack Venero @contrariancorner.bsky.social · 03/12/2025

Just published one of my favorite pieces — all about Devin Carter, my mane man. The team is starving for defense, hustle, +speed… he brings all of it. once a legit prospect before regime changes, & a false narrative pushed him into “forgotten King” 👑. Tap in for hair love + Goggins comps.

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Zack Venero @contrariancorner.bsky.social · 18/11/2025

He might end up being the third, possibly second best guy in this draft. I just think he can fit into any system, will space the floor, rebound, move the ball, and could end up being a dope second option on a really good team.

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Zack Venero @contrariancorner.bsky.social · 18/11/2025

Thrilled to announce my writing is now on @indiebasketball.bsky.social ! Kicking off a new series, Watching the Tape, with a drop dive into @barteesstrange.bsky.social album Horror, my album of the year! www.indiebasketball.com/articles/wat...

indiebasketball.com

WATCHING THE TAPE: Bartees Strange - Horror — Indie Basketball

2025 • 4AD • INDIE ROCK / RAP / SOUL / GRUNGE / POP / EMO

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Zack Venero @contrariancorner.bsky.social · 13/11/2025

For a moment there, it looked like Dougie might actually have the guts to ride the hot hand and leave the starters out.

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Zack Venero @contrariancorner.bsky.social · 13/11/2025

I’ll take more of this mix — energetic, young, defense first role players with one or two ball-heavy veterans to steady things. All told, the game could’ve slipped fast, but the Kangz are holding up well going into the second.

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Zack Venero @contrariancorner.bsky.social · 13/11/2025

Keon checks in and immediately nails two triples

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Zack Venero @contrariancorner.bsky.social · 13/11/2025

On the bright side, I think the city edition jerseys like dope

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Zack Venero @contrariancorner.bsky.social · 13/11/2025

I get wanting to start Westbrook at this point but why continue to go with him and Shroeder in the backcourt? This team desperately needs more spacing and guys who can play off ball. Cough cough 😷 - Keon Ellis.

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Zack Venero @contrariancorner.bsky.social · 29/10/2025

I have A LOT of early morning catch ups on the stationary bike 😅

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Zack Venero @contrariancorner.bsky.social · 29/10/2025

A dream come true for us few, yet mighty, east coasters

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Zack Venero @contrariancorner.bsky.social · 22/10/2025

Bite sized preseason observations from a sicko; which of these could be real? LaVine en fuego Domas’ shot is fast, maybe too fast Nique first man off the bench? Saric might actually matter! Speaking of Sickos, shout out @deucemason.bsky.social @morganragan.bsky.social and their new series of swag

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Zack Venero @contrariancorner.bsky.social · 21/10/2025

Ball Back! Prior to tipping things off, give this piece a spin on the moves that haven’t been made, but might be around the corner.

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Zack Venero @contrariancorner.bsky.social · 09/10/2025

Future Devin Carter Contrarian Corner incoming

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Zack Venero @contrariancorner.bsky.social · 09/10/2025

The entire first half I kept thinking to myself, what if Nique, Carter, or Jones just absorbed all his mins? Obvs a talent downgrade but the ball movement and defense would be at a whole other level.

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Zack Venero @contrariancorner.bsky.social · 09/10/2025

Keegan has been the epitome of a disrupter in this first half. Love to see it!

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Zack Venero @contrariancorner.bsky.social · 07/10/2025

New Contrarian Corner just dropped! This one’s got it all: Simpsons references, MacGruber jokes, and a deep dive into the Kings’ 25 Draft. Shouts to @deucemason.bsky.social + @morganragan.bsky.social the media day coverage— next-level color on the fit of science teacher, Drew Eubanks.

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Zack Venero @contrariancorner.bsky.social · 04/10/2025

I’ve got a new column w/ @thekingsherald.bsky.social Welcome to Contrarian Corner! Looking to keep things fresh, & fun, Covering team building, player progression, Slamson sightings, & more! Give it a read, tell a friend, & maybe come back for the next one. Cheers! kingsherald.com/articles/con...

kingsherald.com

Contrarian Corner: Finding Optimism in Schröder, Perry, and the Post-Fox Era - The Kings Herald

A fresh, optimistic take on Sacramento Kings basketball. In this edition of Contrarian Corner, we revisit Scott Perry’s arrival, the Dennis Schröder signing, and why the offseason moves might not be a...

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Benn Jordan @bennjordan.bsky.social · 21/09/2025

Just 2 gun rights advocates sitting behind a wall of bulletproof glass while enjoying a memorial for a gun rights advocate who got murdered by a gun.

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Zack Venero @contrariancorner.bsky.social · 07/08/2025

I’m still in denial that he was allowed back and that there was such a positive fan reaction.

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Zack Venero @contrariancorner.bsky.social · 24/06/2025

Isaac Jones’ season was more impressive than the overall box score suggests. I break down key stretches of the year where his opportunities shifted, circumstances evolved, and much more

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Zack Venero @contrariancorner.bsky.social · 06/06/2025

Everyone’s buzzing about Hali’s buzzer beater, but can we take a moment for my Trey Lyles player grade masterpiece? Plus, there’s a not so hidden wrestling joke in there for sharp eyed fans.

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Reposted by Zack Venero

Mina Kimes @minakimes.bsky.social · 27/05/2025

The biggest endorsement I can make for Bluesky is that replacing Twitter with this app on my phone probably improved my general mood when I’m on my phone by 20-25%. I know there are better reasons but it is what it is!

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Zack Venero @contrariancorner.bsky.social · 02/04/2025

It’s wild that he cited Roman when talking about work rate being what he cares about. Conversely dogged AEW. Feels uncharacteristic for a dude that’s about nothing but real spill.

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