No. 45 pick Rocco Zikarsky signs two-way contract with Timberwolves
Zikarsky averaged 4.7 points and 3.5 rebounds on 50% shooting from the field last season with the Brisbane Bullets in the NBL. He was limited to 20 games due to a knee injury after playing 29 games in the season prior with the Bullets because of an ankle injury.
The 7-footer was part of the Next Stars program, a plan introduced by the NBL to give top prospects a path to play professionally. He was among several prospects in the program last season, joining the likes of Izan Almansa, Lachlan Olbrich and Alex Toohey.
Prior to spending two seasons with the Bullets, Zikarsky attended the NBA Global Academy in Canberra, Australia. He is the second NBA Academy alumnus to be selected in the draft this year (Khaman Maluach) and the 13th to be drafted or sign with a team.
The soon-to-be 19-year-old will split his time next season between the NBA and the Iowa Wolves in the G League. He is eligible to be active for up to 50 games in the NBA and will earn $636,435, equal to 50% of the minimum salary applicable to a player with zero years of service.
Zikarsky is expected to play in the NBA Summer League with the Timberwolves, beginning on Thursday against the New Orleans Pelicans (3:30 p.m. EDT, ESPN2).
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