The Minnesota Timberwolves drafted Australian big man Rocco Zikarsky with the 45th overall pick. While the 7-foot-3 center was always seen as more of a project player, the Wolves' plan for Zikarsky became clearer after his first NBA Summer League game. Notably, Zikarsky recorded three minutes, two points, and two rebounds in his summer league. As such, it’s clear that Zikarsky is a pure-developmental player who will spend a lot of his early career in the G League.
Zikarsky is a project player
Taking a few years to develop as a second-round pick isn’t uncommon at all. Nevertheless, after playing limited minutes in his summer league debut, this appears to be the path Zikarsky is on. Furthermore, the Wolves signed Zikarsky on a two-way contract for two years, meaning he’ll likely spend significant time in the G League. While Zikarsky has elite size, he needs to adjust to the speed of the NBA game. This was clear in Zikarsky’s limited summer league minutes.
Spending time in the G League will undoubtedly help Zikarsky be more ready for NBA minutes. Additionally, the Wolves have a loaded big man rotation, so getting minutes would have been challenging to begin with. As a result, getting some real minutes in the G League will be better for Zikarsky’s development. After two or so years in the G League, Zikarsky could be ready for NBA minutes. There have been countless examples of players developing in the G League, and Zikarsky could be the latest example of this.
When Zikarsky is ready for NBA minutes, he has a projectable role as a rim protector, lob threat, and screener. At 19, Zikarsky's upside is clear; he’ll just need some time to develop. The Wolves’ vision with drafting Zikarsky in the second round and Joan Beringer in the first round was to bolster their center rotation as Rudy Gobert ages. Crucially, Gobert will help mentor both young centers.
When Gobert eventually retires or finds a new home, Beringer feels primed to step into his role. Beringer showed he is already an NBA-ready defender in his first summer league game, where he racked up six blocks. He feels more NBA-ready than most people anticipated. If Zikarsky can develop, the Wolves could have an awesome center rotation post-Gobert or incredible depth as Rudy ages. Ultimately, while Zikarsky needs some time to develop, the Wolves have a clear plan for him, and this front office has an amazing track record.