Australian Timberwolves Rookie In Disbelief He's Playing Out His NBA Dreams

Australian Timberwolves Rookie In Disbelief He's Playing Out His NBA Dreams originally appeared on Athlon Sports.

The Minnesota Timberwolves have two gigantic rookies from the 2025 NBA Draft. Joan Beringer is the more popular one due to his potential at 18, and he's the player picked with the highest draft selection.

In terms of size, second-round pick Rocco Zikarsky is by far the tallest player on the Timberwolves roster at 7'3". The Australian big man is on a two-way contract with the Timberwolves, but he looks ready to contribute even though he's awestruck playing in the NBA at times.

Zikarsky has been a professional player since 2023, when he signed with the Brisbane Bullets of the National Basketball League in Australia. He was part of the NBL's Next Stars program and set the record for being the youngest-ever player to be included. For two seasons, Zikarsky did not have many minutes, but the potential was there.

Of course, his 7'3" frame is what got him noticed. However, he has a natural skill set, including a developing three-point shot. That helped him get noticed by NBA scouts, including the Minnesota Timberwolves, who traded down for the 45th pick to select him. Since then, Zikarsky has been living out his NBA dream, something he did not expect he could do in the past.

Rocco Zikarsky Is Living Out An NBA Dream

While he has not played heavy minutes, Zikarsky is part of the Timberwolves' plans for the long-term future. They see him as a project alongside his fellow rookie Joan Beringer. At 7'3", it is hard to get a player like him, especially with his potential as a defender and even as a stretch big man.

That does not mean he is assured as a jackpot and draft steal, but Zikarsky is doing his best to live up to his potential. Despite that willingness to keep fighting, Zikarsky is in disbelief about how well he has transitioned into the NBA.

"I'm going to be honest, no. I was sitting down and watching, and I knew this is what I wanted to do, I wanted to play in the NBA," Zikarsky said after a Summer League practice. "Never in a million years did I think I’d be in Minnesota, it’s like a full circle moment, I was in the stands, and now I’m on the floor."

Zikarsky Is Getting Acclimated To The NBA

Of course, Zikarsky is not playing for the Timberwolves only to be in disbelief. He is working hard and proving that he deserves his two-way contract with the Timberwolves and its G-League affiliate team, Iowa Wolves.

He has not received the heavy minutes that Beringer has played, but Zikarsky looks to be a project player for the Timberwolves. The Aussie teenager knows he has a lot to work on, but he feels great playing in the Summer League.

"It’s great, there are a lot more athletic guys running around, which I say is the biggest difference," Zikarsky continued. "Everybody is trying to throw it down, there are great shooters, it’s fast-paced, but yeah, I’m really enjoying my time."

This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 15, 2025, where it first appeared.