After four preseason appearances with the Minnesota Timberwolves, Rocco Zikarsky believes he is adjusting well to the NBA after playing the past two years in the NBL.
Zikarsky was the 45th pick in the draft after averaging 4.7 points and 3.5 rebounds on 50% shooting from the field last season with the Brisbane Bullets. He was limited to 20 games due to a knee injury after playing 29 games in the season prior because of an ankle injury.
The 7-footer was highly touted because of his size, mobility and rim protection, boasting a 7-foot, 6-inch wingspan. He has made marked improvement from summer league until now, and is picking things up quickly, Timberwolves coach Chris Finch said.
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. 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.
Zikarsky is averaging 3.7 points and four rebounds on 40% shooting from the field in four preseason games with the Timberwolves. He has logged at least 13 minutes in each appearance except one, when he exited early after suffering a broken nose.
The Australian has had the opportunity to adjust to the increased competition and physicality the NBA has to offer. He can notice a difference in just practice alone, with Tuesday bringing its own unique challenge versus teammate Jaden McDaniels.
I think adapting to the speed of the game, really you can only get out there by playing and in training, as well. I got dunked on by Jaden today, which that was nice coming with a forearm straight to the nose, which is still broken, so that is fun. But just stuff like that. I’m like, ‘All right, I got to be a bit earlier and jump a bit higher.’ I think just getting the live reps of it is the most important thing.
Zikarsky, signed to a two-way contract, will split his time between the Timberwolves and Iowa Wolves in the G League this season. The reps with both teams will enable him to work on his overall development and learn from centers Rudy Gobert, Naz Reid and others.
The Timberwolves have two preseason games remaining, giving Zikarsky additional opportunities to prepare for the upcoming campaign. He has enjoyed the chance to take the court thus far.
“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.”