23
Feb
Aussies in the NBA
19-year-old Rocco Zikarsky is an NBA player
Australian Rocco Zikarsky has made his NBA debut for the Minnesota Timberwolves. Photo: Jasey Bradwell/NBAE via Getty Images
Highlights
Australian centre Rocco Zikarsky makes NBA debut alongside Boomers veteran Joe Ingles.
- All-Star Rocco Zikarsky gets his 2026 'LA Story'
- Rocco Zikarsky: A big project with big upside
- Rocco Zikarsky’s G League numbers are NBA-ready
Australian 19-year-old Rocco Zikarsky is now an NBA player.
The Queensland centre played his first NBA minutes alongside 38-year-old Australian Boomers legend Joe Ingles in the Minnesota Timberwolves 135-108 blow-out loss to the Philadelphia 76ers on Monday, February 23, 2026 (AEDT).
He is the 45th Australian-born player to play in the NBA.
Former NBL Next Star Zikarsky, who was drafted by the Chicago Bulls with the 45th pick and traded to the Minnesota Timberwolves, was recalled to the Timberwolves from the G League Iowa Wolves late last week.
Former Defensive Player of the Year Rudy Gobert and back-up centre Naz Reid were both out. Gobert suspended and Reid injured.
It gave Zikarsky his first opportunity and head coach Chris Finch called Zikarsky's number in garbage time.
He pulled down one rebound in four minutes. Ingles also played four minutes and had an assist.
Rocco Zikarsky – G League Scout Report
- Team: Iowa Wolves (NBA G League)
- Position: Centre
- Height: 2.21 m
- Weight: 103 kg
- Age: 19
- Draft: 2025 – Round 2, Pick 45
- Prior: Brisbane Bullets (NBL)
2025–26 Production G League – Iowa Wolves
- 34 GP │ 23.9 MIN │ 14.0 PTS │ 8.4 REB │ 1.0 AST │ 2.0 TOV │ 53.0% FG │ 32.1% 3PT │ 76.6% FT │ 63.2% TS
Offensive Evaluation
1. Interior Scoring – Efficient and Controlled
- 76.8% of field goal attempts are twos
- 66.7% of scoring from two-point range
- 9.1 paint points per game
- 75.5% of two-point makes assisted
Zikarsky operates primarily as a finisher:
- Pick-and-roll target
- Drop-off receiver
- Offensive rebound put-back threat
He scores within the system, using structure, length and positioning, but is not yet a primary creator.
2. Perimeter Growth – Encouraging Indicator
- 2.4 three-point attempts per game
- 32.1% from three
- 76.6% from the free-throw line
For a 2.21 m centre, this impact is substantial.
His shooting base is balanced, and his release is repeatable. He is not a high-volume stretch five yet, but he is credible enough to alter defensive coverage.
If he stabilises around 34–35%, his ceiling expands dramatically.
3. Usage & Offensive Role
- 22.1% usage
- 22.8% team shot share
- 24.7% team field goal share
Iowa leverages him aggressively for a 19-year-old rookie.
However, his assist profile remains limited:
- 1.0 assist per game
- 6.0% assist rate
- 0.49 assist-to-turnover ratio
He remains more of a finisher than an offensive hub.
Rebounding Profile
- 8.4 rebounds per game
- 2.4 offensive rebounds
- 15.7% total rebound rate
He asserts vertical space. His 20.9% defensive rebound rate stems from precise length and positioning, not raw strength.
He is still adding strength.
Defensive Evaluation – The Differentiator
- 2.0 blocks per game
- 111.0 Defensive Rating
- Opponents 25.6 paint points per game
This is where his NBA upside stands—Zikarsky defines defensive value.
At 2.21 m, Zikarsky alters shot selection. Drivers hesitate. Guards float early. He covers mistakes vertically.
He is not yet switch-versatile. Lateral mobility remains average for NBA standards.
However, his rim deterrence is legitimate.
Efficiency Indicators
- eFG%: 56.7%TS%: 63.2%Turnover Ratio: 13.9
- He produces with control, avoiding overextension.
Strengths
✔ Elite size (2.21 m)
✔ Vertical rim protection
✔ Developing three-point touch
✔ Efficient pick-and-roll finishing
✔ Age-based upside
Development Areas
- Lower-body strength
- Switch defense
- Passing reads under pressure
- Physical rebounding against veteran bigs
NBA Translation Projection
- Best Case: Starting rim-protecting centre who spaces to the corners and slots.
- Median Outcome: Rotational shot-blocker in drop coverage schemes.
- Ceiling Swing Skill: Consistent 35% three-point shooting.
Zikarsky is a 19-year-old 2.21 m prospect who already protects the rim, rebounds effectively and stretches the floor.
The size is real.The shooting is promising.His development curve ascends sharply.
If strength and mobility develop together, his NBA rise is inevitable.
