2025 NBA Draft Scouting Report for Minnesota Timberwolves No. 45 Pick Rocco Zikarsky
The Minnesota Timberwloves have selected 7'3" center Rocco Zikarsky with the No. 45 pick. The Australian brings the size teams are coveting again, with hopes of mimicking the success of recent lottery picks such as Donovan Clingan (7'2") and Zach Edey (7'4").
His 7'4¾" wingspan was the sixth-longest measurement at this year's draft combine, yet he's also an agile rim-runner with good hands, vertical pop and disruptive defensive tools in drop coverage.
Offensively, he thrives as a finisher both in transition and in the half court, which combined with solid defensive chops, makes him a potential rotation piece.
Still, the 18-year-old remains raw in key areas. His overall feel is still developing, and he will need time to adjust to NBA speed, strength and decision-making.
Zikarsky is far from a finished product, but that's expected for a young international prospect. Ultimately, his ceiling will depend on how quickly he can sharpen his instincts, if he can stay healthy and can grow within modern schemes.
Zikarsky ranks No. 49 on B/R NBA draft expert Jonathan Wasserman's 2025 Prospect Big Board.
Essential Facts and Stats
Previous Team: Brisbane | Position: C | Height: 7'3" | Weight: 257 lbs | Age: 18 | Vertical: 31½" | Wingspan: 7'4¾" | PPG: 4.6 | RPG: 3.4 | APG: 0.3 | BPG: 0.6 | SPG: 0.3 | FG%: 59.7
Realistic Pro Comparison: Donovan Clingan
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Zikarsky was expected to go where former UConn standout and current Portland Trail Blazers center Donovan Clingan went in the draft, mid-lottery, before an underwhelming season with injuries.
The Aussie is similarly big, and he's effective defensively around the basket. But he needs to show he can score more when given the ball around the key.
Strengths
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- Size
- Defensive Potential
- Finishing Potential
As the old adage holds, you can't coach size, and Zikarsky offers it in abundance.
He measured in at an even 7'3" during May's draft combine, which was the top measurement by an entire two inches.
The upside is clear: at just 18 years old, he could develop a bag of tricks.
Weaknesses
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- Athleticism
- Skill
- Reliability/Production
The age of the giant center is somewhat back, but we're still talking about Zikarsky joining the modern NBA, not the center-obsessed mid-90s.
He will need to keep developing footwork and even hand quickness in the pros, as to not rely on size and size alone.
There are also question marks about his sample size against tough competition. Simply put: That sample size is about to grow exponentially, and it's worth asking how steep his learning curve will be.
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