The Australian big man seems ready for anyone who tests him in games.
Timberwolves’ Rocco Zikarsky Shares How He Shut Down Summer League Teammate originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
As the Minnesota Timberwolves prepare for the NBA Summer League games, the team's latest draft picks are getting a chance to connect with their new teammates. In some cases, they're learning how good these guys are and having to step up to prove themselves.
Australian center Rocco Zikarsky was the team's second-round pick and is likely to spend most of the next few seasons on the G League's Iowa Wolves. However, he's still practicing with his teammates and seeing what they're capable of.
During a media session, Rocco described Summer League practice as "high energy" and "fun," and praised his teammates as a "great group of guys" to play with thus far.
He referred to teammate Rob Dillingham as an "elite" player after his experiences with him during practice. That seems to bode well for the young guard's potential to rise to a more significant role in the coming season and beyond.
He referenced how good Dillingham was with his moves on the court, and how he's not used to his play.
"You don't know if he's going for the midi, if he's going to get past you. You know, he reacts really quick to whatever you do, so I think that's what makes it really hard," he said.
In speaking about his role with the team so far, Rocco said fans might see him run pick-and-roll or knock down an occasional three-pointer. For now, he said it's been mostly about "playing above the rim," which is where he excels.
Along with that, Rocco spoke about how another young teammate, second-year guard Terrence Shannon Jr, tried to test him with some dunks during practice, and he had to shut him down.
"He tried me yesterday, and I got a hand on it yesterday, but it wasn't that great. And then today, he really went for it. I just went up for it two hands, see what I could do, and I sent it back. So that was pretty cool," Rocco told the media.
"I know people are going to try me, but I'm not gonna shy away from it either," he said, adding, "It's what I do. I'm a shot blocker. That's my role. I got to jump with everyone, whether it's Anthony Edwards, whether it's Terrence. It could be anyone going up. My expectation is I'm going to go up there and block it."
That seems to be a lot of what the Timberwolves will seek from Rocco in any future seasons he plays for the team. He's likely to become a valuable roster member along with fellow draft pick, French center Joan Beringer, as the team looks for potential Rudy Gobert backups or replacements.
According to The Pick and Roll, the 7-foot-3 Rocco Zikarsky averaged MVP-worthy stats while leading Australia to the Albert Schweitzer Cup in 2024. He averaged 18.7 points, 11 rebounds, and 2.9 blocks per game. His rebound and block averages led all players.
While Rocco didn't initially appear on the Timberwolves' NBA 2K26 Summer League roster, he will participate in the team's games. According to NBA.com, Minnesota completed a multi-team draft-night trade that brought them the rookie, along with two future second-round picks and cash considerations.
They'll have their first game in Las Vegas on Thursday, July 10, against the New Orleans Pelicans, with the matchup presented on ESPN2.
Related: Timberwolves fans react to NBA 2K26 Summer League roster missing key player
Related: Timberwolves Exploring Trade for Potential Mike Conley Replacement
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 9, 2025, where it first appeared.
Category: Basketball
