Australian Rocco Zikarsky is finding his feet at the NBA level as he looks to make an impact for the Minnesota Timberwolves in his rookie season.
The 7-foot-3 giant, who boasts a 7-foot-6 wingspan, has all the tools to succeed at the next level, but will likely split his time between the Timberwolves' main roster and their G League affiliate, the Iowa Wolves, this season after signing a two-way deal.
STREAM BIG: Aussies in action across the NBA on Disney+
Following the whirlwind of the draft, training camp and now NBA pre-season, Zikarsky says he's confident in how he's adapting to life on the hardwood in Minnesota.
"I think I'm slowly getting it," Zikarsky said.
"Obviously, there is a jump from the NBL to the NBA in terms of athleticism and speed of the game, but the concepts have been great. It makes my job a lot easier when I'm playing with these caliber athletes."
Learning the game alongside bigs Rudy Gobert and Naz Reid, Zikarsky has solid vets in front of him to learn the nuances of NBA schemes as the Wolves double down on their strategy of stacking the roster with bigs. Alongside Zikarsky, Minnesota also added 6-foot-11, 18-year-old forward/center Joan Beringer at No. 19 pick in the draft.
The Aussie impressed in his pre-season debut, matching up against Nikola Jokic, recording nine points and eight rebounds in 13 minutes, followed up by a 16-point (6-of-7 shooting) performance against the Guangzhou Loong-Lions.
Rocco Zikarsky on going from playing for the Boomers to blocking Anthony Edwards in practice a year later
— Andrew Dukowitz (@adukeMN) October 14, 2025
“Yeah it’s a pretty surreal feeling… to be in an environment to see how he attacks everything, being able to get him once is pretty fun, hopefully I can get him again” pic.twitter.com/2CrhUOEeqd
Timberwolves head coach Chris Finch has been impressed with the speed at which the big man is adapting to the NBA, but insists it will take time for him to round out his game.
"His shape and overall conditioning have gotten way better, which has allowed him to stay in the play and make more multiple efforts. I think he grasps concepts pretty easily, pretty quick," Finch said.
"He has got a good feel for that. I think, defensively, he is good at using his size, but I think he can add more activity to that; rebounding has got to be better. He'll rebound within his area, I think he has got the ability to get a little bit outside of that and pursue a bit more on the glass.
"It is all kind of a learning curve for him right now."