Those two youngsters aren’t the only big names to represent the Timberwolves this summer. Minnesota needs Rob Dillingham to take serious steps forward this offseason and he’ll be given the chance to showcase where he’s at. Fellow first round pick Terrence Shannon Jr. will join him.

Second year talent make MN Timberwolves Summer League roster

Rob Dillingham looked like he needed much more development than Terrence Shannon Jr. did last season as rookies in the NBA. Both of them are going to get run for the Minnesota Timberwolves during the Summer League circuit in Las Vegas. The roster was made public on Thursday.

The most notable names on the roster outside of the two recent draft picks include Dillingham, Shannon Jr., Miller, and Clark. Each of them got run during different parts of the Minnesota Timberwolves regular season last year.

Shannon Jr. has arguably already outgrown the constraints of the Summer League. He played in 32 games last season for Minnesota and averaged 10.6 minutes per game. He scored just 4.3 points per game, but was a bright spot when the training wheels came off.

Terrence Shannon Jr. in the last 30 hours:

— 24 points
— 11 rebounds
— 7 assists
— 8/17 FG, 2/7 3P, 6/6 FT
— 49 minutes

Not only is he playing with nonstop energy, but he is also playing like a 30-year-old vet. Incredibly bought in on defense, and the offense has looked great. pic.twitter.com/NJUVhV0iAj

— Charlie Walton (@CharlieWaltonMN) February 14, 2025

The Timberwolves saw Shannon Jr. record a career-high 25 points against the Los Angeles Lakers in February, and he poured in double-digits on five separate occasions. With the departure of Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Shannon Jr. looks like a prime candidate to pick up extra minutes in the rotation.

It will be interesting to see how both Brenginer and Zikarski fare stateside. The former is expected to join Minnesota this season and could push for minutes as a backup center. The latter is expected to stay in Australia and continue to develop until the Timberwolves need his services.

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

Dillingham showed flashes that made him a lottery pick last season. Unfortunately they didn’t translate to consistent production at the NBA level and he was often riding the pine. The Minnesota Timberwolves desperately need a facilitator to run the offense and contribute behind Mike Conley. Dillingham’s opportunity is right in front of him.

The NBA Summer League starts on July 10 and the championship game is scheduled for July 20th. Minnesota kicks off their practices on Monday July 7th and will be led by assistant coach Kevin Hanson.

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.