The Minnesota Timberwolves selected Rocco Zikarsky with the 45th pick in last year's draft. Expectations shouldn't have been high. Still, he's a 7-foot-3 big man with the potential to stretch the floor.
Given this, paired with the Wolves' suddenly shallow frontcourt, fans wondered if Zikarsky could carve out a surprise role with the team or, at the very least, earn a standard contract. Perhaps members of the organization were wondering the same thing.
I don't want to overreact to one summer league game, but it looks like the second-year big man still needs a lot more time. Zikarsky recorded nine points (on 3-for-11 shooting), six rebounds, two assists and four turnovers.
And frankly, this shouldn't be a surprise. Okay, you'd like to see a bit more production from Zikarsky in his first summer league game as a sophomore player. However, Zikarsky, who was 18 years old when he was drafted, has always been viewed as a project player.
If members of the organization or fans were hoping to see Zikarsky earn a bigger role next season, this game should serve as a clear reminder that he still needs some time in the G League.
Rocco Zikarsky is a true project player
It's totally understandable to be tantalized by Zikarsky's potential, and hopefully he can put forth some more productive games in summer league. At this moment, though, his skill set is pretty hypothetical.
During Thursday's game, Zikarsky forced up jumpershots, looked somewhat clunky putting the ball on the floor, didn't have great touch around the rim, looked tired at times and didn't defend at the level you'd like to see from someone of his size. From both a process and results standpoint, he struggled.
Listen, I know this sounds harsh, but the reality is he didn't play well.
Playing alongside Joan Beringer for much of his minutes surely made things tricky for Zikarsky. Regardless, his performance is a reminder that he is a true project player.
Thankfully, Zikarsky did show some level of promise in the G League this past season, averaging 14.8 points, 8.9 rebounds and 2.4 blocks. If Zikarsky can eventually earn an NBA role, it will likely be due to his floor spacing. Yet this area of his game is still clearly raw -- he netted just 30.8 of his 3-pointers in the G League.
It would be amazing if Tim Connelly and the Timberwolves hit on a mid-second-round pick with a raw skill set. Connelly famously drafted Nikola Jokic during his time with the Denver Nuggets. The reality is, though, that it's highly unlikely for a player like this to become a contributor on a competitive team.
Zikarsky could end up carving out a role with the Timberwolves one day, but they'll have to practice patience to see this vision come to fruition.
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