Timberwolves could have a massive draft day steal on their hands and nobody knows it

Listed at 7-foot-3, Rocco Zikarsky will tie Randy Breuer as the tallest player in franchise history once he appears in his first game with the Minnesota Timberwolves. The 45th pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, Zikarsky is just 19 years old.

Currently on a two-way contract, Zikarsky has spent the entirety of the season playing in the G League with the Iowa Wolves. He wasn’t expected to have much of a role with the NBA club this season, but the center has been showcasing in the G League what Minnesota can expect in the future.

Rocco Zikarsky is doing it on the defensive end in the G League

In Iowa’s game on Friday, Zikarsky finished with one block. That’s actually a low total for the Australian, as he recorded 11 of them over the previous three outings.

Still, it’s the ninth-straight game that Zikarsky has rejected at least one shot (he also has at least one in 14 of his last 15 contests). In 20 combined Tip-Off Tournament and regular season appearances, Zikarsky has 42 blocks (2.1 per game).

At his height, offensive players are always going to think twice about driving to the hoop when Zikarsky is manning the middle. When they do, Zikarsky often makes them regret it.

Zikarsky should eventually have a role with the Timberwolves

Not only has he been a defensive force for the Wolves, but surprisingly, Zikarsky has also shown the ability to knock down outside shots. Thus far, he is 16-38 (42.1%) from beyond the arc. He only attempted six 3-pointers total over 45 games in two years with the Brisbane Bullets in Australia.

Friday also marked the fourth time that Zikarsky finished the game with a points/rebounds double-double. Zikarsky often gives Iowa second opportunities with his work on the offensive glass and has done a great job finishing at the rim. Overall, Zikarsky is averaging 13.4 points and 7 rebounds.

Most Timberwolves fans are more interested in keeping tabs on their other rookie center, Joan Beringer. That’s understandable being that Beringer was a first-round pick. That doesn’t mean Zikarsky’s progress should be ignored, though, as the potential is there to eventually play a role in the NBA.

Zikarsky’s upside is clear, and if the Wolves can find a contributor this late in the draft, he will be remembered as a massive steal.