Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images
It seems unlikely that the Minnesota Timberwolves are done with their roster tweaks this offseason. They reached the Western Conference Finals for a second straight year last season, but it is clear that changes are necessary.
While they have done more heavy lifting when it comes to new contracts for existing talent (both Naz Reid and Julius Randle got paid), they still must find a point guard to pair with Mike Conley. That didn’t happen during the NBA Draft, but they grabbed a pair of big (seriously, big) men.
Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images
With the 17th overall pick, Joan Beringer joined the Minnesota Timberwolves. He flashed during the Summer League, and is already being billed as a steal.
Joan Beringer drawing rave reviews early for MN Timberwolves
The 6’11” center from France heads to Minnesota at just 18 years old. Beringer showed how much of an impact he can make in the paint during Summer League action in Las Vegas. It’s hard not to envision him as Rudy Gobert’s eventual replacement. He earned high praise as one of the biggest draft steals in a recent piece from ESPN Draft Analyst Jeremy Woo.
“There was also excitement around Beringer, another defensive-oriented prospect who played well in Las Vegas. The 18-year-old French center has been playing basketball competitively for only four years, but he has demonstrated strong instincts as a shot blocker and lob catcher and played his way into the first round of the draft after entering last season as a lesser-known talent. Beringer drew late lottery interest but ended up falling to the Timberwolves after three centers — Derik Queen, Thomas Sorber and Yang — were selected in the four picks preceding him at No. 17. He’ll be an understudy to countryman and three-time Defensive Player of the Year Rudy Gobert next season.”
Carter Bryant, taken by the San Antonio Spurs at 14th overall, earned one more vote (5) than Beringer (4). However, that is splitting hairs and the 20 anonymous scouts and executives polled certainly love the Timberwolves young talent.
To say that Beringer is a raw product would be putting it lightly. He’s still learning the game and has plenty of time to add muscle and acclimate at the next level. Gobert being on his team is a coup, and it’s certainly part of the equation that the Minnesota Timberwolves considered.
Joan Beringer relentless transition defense + perimeter defense + defensive rebound + outlet pass pic.twitter.com/8w5mVYQ078
— Timberwolves Clips (@WolvesClips) July 15, 2025
I wouldn’t expect Chris Finch to quickly integrate Beringer into the rotation next season. He hasn’t done that for more polished rookies, and there’s no reason to rush the Frenchman. That said, opposing general managers look into the future and see something impressive as well.
“[Beringer] could turn out to be a top-five player in this draft. Upside is through the roof, and he doesn’t even know how to play yet. He is also in a perfect situation where he can learn and grow from all of their bigs.”
That absolutely hits the nail on the head. Beringer brings raw talent with physical attributes that are off the charts. He doesn’t need to immediately impact the game, and he has a perfect compliment of talent to learn from.
Related: MN Timberwolves Involved in Historically Large Trade
Not every pick is Anthony Edwards, and rarely do the MN Timberwolves seem to hit on mid-round talents. They leveraged plenty of the future when trading for Rudy Gobert. Their latest acquisition could make it all worth it though.
Mentioned in this article: Joan Beringer NBA Draft
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