The Minnesota Timberwolves selected French center Joan Beringer 17th overall in the 2025 NBA Draft. It is a move for the long-term future because the team sees him as a project.
He fits right in with the system, as he loves throwing down dunks in the paint like Rudy Gobert. Considering they both hail from France, Beringer will also have a fantastic mentor to learn from in Gobert.
Beringer celebrates with Eunice Agbayahun after being selected as the 17th pick by the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first round of the 2025 NBA Draft at Barclays Center.
Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images
Beringer will be a long-term project for the Timberwolves due to his status as a raw prospect. He is only four years into life as a basketball player after he started playing the sport at 14.
He was initially playing soccer in France, but he quickly took to basketball. At 6'11" with a good level of athleticism and strong defensive qualities, he fits right in the Timberwolves' system under head coach Chris Finch.
Beringer Is Committed To Helping The Timberwolves
Playing under Rudy Gobert's tutelage will be significant for Beringer because he is learning from a four-time Defensive Player of the Year. He is arguably this generation's best defender, which is a high standard, but Beringer has immense potential.
Since he has only played basketball for a short time, he still has much to learn. That is where Gobert, other Timberwolves players, and the coaching staff come in. He's joining a team that wants to help him develop.
Beringer has the potential to become one of the biggest fan favorites. He loves dunking, which is an easy way to get support, but he also works hard for every loose ball and rebound. Having a motor is huge for any basketball team, especially for the Timberwolves.
"I will give everything for you, I will give my energy, my defense and I will prove to you that I want to be the best. I want to practice hard every day," Beringer said in a phone interview with Timberwolves media.
The Timberwolves Community Will Embrace Beringer
Timberwolves fans have always showered their players with love. People can see it in how they treat the Timberwolves players, most notably Naz Reid and superstar Anthony Edwards.
The players have a fantastic relationship with all the fans, especially those who watch at Target Center. It has made the team tough to beat at home because every visiting team knows they are in for a challenge.
While Beringer will take some time to develop into a rotation player, he will do his best to maximize his minutes. He will likely throw down some powerful dunks or fight for the loose ball.
Beringer is ready, and he will learn, develop, and represent the Timberwolves. The team is prepared for his arrival, and the fans are ready to welcome him with open arms.