After a solid 2024-25 campaign, where the Golden State Warriors posted a 48-34 record but fell short with a second-round playoff exit, the team is now laser-focused on fine-tuning their roster this offseason. While the Warriors have a talented core, one glaring weakness stands out: the center position. Addressing this hole through free agency or trades could prove difficult, so the team may turn to the 2025 NBA Draft to find a diamond in the rough. Despite lacking a first-round pick, their 41st overall selection offers a chance to unearth a high-upside prospect who could transform their frontcourt.
In ESPN’s latest mock draft by Jonathan Givony and Jeremy Woo, the Warriors are projected to select Rocco Zikarsky, a 7-foot-3 Australian center, at pick 41. At just 18 years old, Zikarsky is a raw talent with immense potential, making him an intriguing gamble for a team looking to bolster its interior presence. During his time with Brisbane in Australia’s National Basketball League, Zikarsky averaged 4.6 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 0.6 blocks in a modest 11.8 minutes per game across 18 appearances. While these numbers may not leap off the page, his flashes of dominance and unique skill set for a player of his size make him a tantalizing prospect.
Are you seeing this, @warriors! 🫵🏽
In all seriousness – any 7 ft C that understands how to leverage his size and length in a live game setting should get a close look and serious consideration from GMs. 7’4” Rocco Zikarsky fits the bill… https://t.co/gNqBVqOGrM
— Conrado Pascual (@CP3_777) May 14, 2025
Zikarsky’s standout trait is his fluidity, a rare quality for someone with a 7-foot-3 frame. He moves with surprising grace, showcasing the ability to run the floor and finish as a lob threat on offense. Defensively, his shot-blocking prowess adds another layer of intrigue, addressing a key need for the Warriors, who crave a rim protector to anchor their defense. His combination of size, mobility, and defensive instincts makes him a potential “unicorn” — a big man capable of impacting both ends of the court in ways that align perfectly with Golden State’s dynamic style of play.
The second round of the NBA Draft is notoriously unpredictable, with teams often swinging for high-upside players rather than guaranteed contributors. For the Warriors, taking a chance on Zikarsky represents a bold yet calculated move. While he may not be a polished product, his physical tools and glimpses of two-way potential make him a dream fit for a team looking to develop a long-term solution at center. As Zikarsky prepares to make the leap to American basketball, the Warriors could be the perfect landing spot to nurture his growth into a game-changing big man.