Minnesota Timberwolves Draft Australian Center

After taking French big man Joan Beringer with the 17th overall pick during the 2025 NBA Draft on Wednesday night, president Tim Connelly became quite the auctioneer on Thursday, as the Minnesota Timberwolves looked to trade away the first pick of the second round.

Prior to the start of tonight’s festivities, the successfully found a trade partner in the Phoenix Suns, who selected St. Joseph’s forward Rasheer Flemming and sent the No. 36 overall pick to the Wolves, along with two future 2nd rounders.

Australian center Rocco Zikarsky to MN Timberwolves

But Connelly wasn’t done. He then turned around and traded No. 36 to the Los Angeles Lakers in exchange for cash and the No. 45 overall pick. There, the Minnesota Timberwolves decided to make their second selection of the 2025 NBA Draft, picking 7’4″ Australian center, Rocco Zikarsky.

The Minnesota Timberwolves have selected Brisbane Bullets center Rocco Zikarsky with the No. 45 pick.

The Australian has tremendous size at 7-foot-4 with a 9’7 standing reach, giving him significant potential defensively. Only 18-years old. pic.twitter.com/yWLkTtmvVf

— Jonathan Givony (@DraftExpress) June 27, 2025

Like Beringer, Zikarski is another international center who’s just 18 years old and has a lot of maturing to do on the basketball court. Nonetheless, his 7’4″, 257 lb frame (and 9’7″ standing reach) is truly insane, even for the NBA. ESPN’s Jonathan Givony broke down the pick for Minnesota.

Zikarsky didn’t have as productive a second season in the NBL as most scouts had hoped he would. Although he was a consistent factor on the offensive glass, he struggled to score efficiently, missing layups and struggling to make free throws, which hindered some of the optimism surrounding his floor-stretching potential.

His ability to effect shots with his exceptional length is appealing, but he is still evolving as a rim protector when he isn’t parked under the rim. Regardless, his size and youth make him an intriguing bet for a team that believes in its player development infrastructure, helping the game slow down for him while his frame continues to mature.

Jonathan Givony – ESPN

Related: ESPN Expert Crowns Wolves as 1st Round NBA Draft Winner

Given the decision to move back ten spots just for money, it’s clear the Minnesota Timberwolves are trying to save as much money as possible, as they butt up against the 2nd apron of the 2025-26 NBA luxury tax barrier.

Given his age, and raw development, it’s unlikely we see Rocco Zikarsky in a regular season Timberwolves uniform anytime soon. His deal is reportedly a two-way contract.

Rocco Zikarsky will be on a two-way contract with the Wolves, per source.

— Dane Moore (@DaneMooreNBA) June 27, 2025

If Zikarsky can develop into the ultra-defender and rim-running finisher that the Minnesota Timberwolves envision he can be, this will be a ridiculous steal, looking back. Rudy Gobert is on contract for a few more years, but the pair of 18 year old big men figure to factor into the Wolves plans post-Gobert.

The Timberwolves will now turn to free agency and the trade market, where they are reportedly in search of a point guard, possibly Collin Sexton. Without a doubt, Chris Finch’s offense could use a floor general who’s just as big of a threat to score as he is run an offense or find open teammates.