Rocco Zikarsky, the Australian center and No. 45 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, has signed a two-way contract with the Minnesota Timberwolves. Last season with the Brisbane Bullets, he averaged 4.7 points and 3.5 rebounds while shooting 50% from the field, although he was limited to 20 games due to a knee injury. Zikarsky, a 7-footer, is part of the NBL’s Next Stars program, which showcases top international prospects.

At nearly 19 years old, he will split his time between the NBA and the Iowa Wolves in the G League, where he can be active for up to 50 games. His contract includes a salary of $636,435, equating to 50% of the league minimum for a rookie. Zikarsky is set to make his debut in the NBA Summer League, starting with the Timberwolves’ matchup against the New Orleans Pelicans.

The 2025 WNBA All-Star game draft saw standout performances led by Indiana Fever's Caitlin Clark and Minnesota Timberwolves' Napheesa Collier as they assembled their teams. Clark picked Washington Mystics rookie Sonia Citron, praising her talent since college, underlining Citron's impressive stats of 14.6 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 2.0 assists per game. Collier complemented her team with Dallas Wings guard Paige Bueckers as a starter and drafted Kiki Iriafen from the Mystics. This season's All-Star game will showcase these emerging talents on July 19 in Indianapolis.

As the Minnesota Timberwolves gear up for the NBA Summer League, their newly drafted players are integrating with the team, showcasing their skills and potential. Rocco Zikarsky, the team's second-round pick, has been practicing with his teammates, including standout Rob Dillingham, who Zikarsky describes as 'elite'. The young center aims to make an impact, focusing on his shot-blocking abilities and running pick-and-roll plays. His dominant performance in the 2024 Albert Schweitzer Cup, where he averaged 18.7 points, 11 rebounds, and 2.9 blocks, highlights his potential as a valuable addition to the Timberwolves' roster alongside fellow rookie Joan Beringer.

Derrick Rose's time with the Minnesota Timberwolves was marked by both struggles and triumphs, showcasing a player who, despite injury setbacks, refused to fade away. His standout moment came during a Halloween matchup against the Utah Jazz where he scored 50 points, a feat that resonated deeply within the NBA community and Timberwolves' fanbase.

This performance was a nostalgic reminder of Rose's MVP caliber talent, especially as he stepped up with other key players sidelined. The emotional weight of his journey, marred by injuries but filled with resilience, shone through that night. As he reflected on his experience, Rose acknowledged the opportunity presented by the absence of Jimmy Butler and others, which allowed him to reclaim his scoring role and gift fans a memorable performance in Timberwolves history.

The Minnesota Timberwolves have had a quiet offseason, primarily focusing on re-signing players like Naz Reid and Julius Randle while drafting centers Joan Beringer and Rocco Zikarsky. Despite minor moves, such as participating in a historic seven-team trade involving Kevin Durant, the team has not made significant acquisitions. Concerns loom over their aging point guard, Mike Conley, as fans eagerly await a potential upgrade, especially with younger talent like Rob Dillingham showing promise.

Recent reports indicate the Timberwolves are interested in free agent Malcolm Brogdon, who brings experience and past accolades, including NBA Rookie of the Year and Sixth Man of the Year. Brogdon's last season saw him average 12.7 points, 4.1 assists, and 3.8 rebounds with the Washington Wizards, presenting a more dynamic option compared to Conley's decreasing stats. However, Brogdon's injury history raises questions about his reliability. With interest from multiple teams, the Timberwolves must act quickly to bolster their roster as they aim for a deeper playoff run.