After trading back twice earlier in the night, the Timberwolves selected Rocco Zikarsky with the 45th overall pick.
After the Minnesota Timberwolves selected big man Joan Beringer in the first round of the NBA draft, Tim Connelly decided to cash in on the 31st pick, snagging two future second-rounders while moving down just five spots.
During the draft, the Wolves would trade down yet again, sending the 36th pick to the Los Angeles Lakers for the 45th pick and cash considerations. The Wolves went on to select Rocco Zikarsky, a 7’3 big man from Australia.
Who is Rocco Zikarsky?
The possible third-tallest player in the NBA behind Zach Edey and Victor Wembanyama. Standing 7’3 without shoes, Zikarsky would prospectively join fellow Australian Joe Ingles in the Timberwolves locker room, but it seems as though he has a ways to go before he sees an NBA floor.
He also doesn’t really need to jump in order to dunk the basketball.
The Minnesota Timberwolves have selected Brisbane Bullets center Rocco Zikarsky with the No. 45 pick.
The Australian has tremendous size at 7-foot-4 with a 9’7 standing reach, giving him significant potential defensively. Only 18-years old. pic.twitter.com/yWLkTtmvVf
— Jonathan Givony (@DraftExpress) June 27, 2025
Zikarsky spent his most recent years playing for the Brisbane Bullets in the NBL. He most recently averaged 4.6 points, 3.5 rebounds, and less than a block per game. He opened eyes at the NBA combine earlier this year with impressive measurables and shooting touch.
Fit on the Timberwolves
We called Joan Beringer a project for the Wolves on Wednesday. This would redefine that.
Zikarsky is still just 18 years old with underwhelming numbers in the NBL. He was ranked 50th on Sam Vecenie’s prospect pool, which at best projects as a role player in the NBA who can run to the rim and block shots. It’s likely three years before he sees an NBA floor, but he possesses ridiculous length and could be an oversized Ryan Kalkbrenner-esque player upon developing, with some ability to shoot the ball if brought along properly.
Hey @Timberwolves fans, this is what you can expect from NBL Next Star Rocco Zikarsky pic.twitter.com/hynqCpiCLj
— NBL (@NBL) June 27, 2025
Projected Role
Zikarsky doesn’t impact the Wolves in the short term. He’ll come over on a two-way contract and likely not see the floor with last night’s selection in Joan Beringer, assumingly being above him in an already-stocked depth chart for big men.
Des Moines Depth!