The Minnesota Timberwolves added a developmental prospect when they drafted Joan Beringer 17th overall Wednesday night. Beringer is the ultimate upside swing.
At 18 years and 7 months old, the French international Beringer is one of the draft’s youngest players. It’s hard to gauge Beringer’s potential because he grew up playing soccer and didn’t start playing basketball until four years ago, due to his rapid growth spurt.
However, Beringer has rapidly learned the game. His quick development from picking up basketball as a teenager to impacting EuroCup games at such a young age instantly garnered attention from international NBA scouts midway through this season’s draft cycle. It was easy for scouts to become impressed with Beringer’s raw athletic tools and upward development trajectory. Beringer instantly became an intriguing name.
It’s going to take a while for Beringer to have a rotational impact in the NBA. However, his potential as a rim-runner, play-finisher, and defensive impact, built around his athleticism, is intriguing.
In 64 games for the Slovenian side Cedevita Olimpija during the season, Beringer averaged 5.4 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks. He shot 64.4% from the field. Beringer had an impressive 8.1% block percentage (BLK%).
At the international combine, Beringer measured 6’11” without shoes, 234.8 lbs, with a 7’4.5” wingspan and a 9’3” standing reach. However, Beringer’s fluid movement separates him from his peers.
Beringer built his offensive game around his above-the-rim finishing ability. Beringer measured a standing vertical leap of 29 inches and a max vertical leap of 32.5 inches. Those are good numbers for a center, but they are just slightly above average among bigs.
Beringer’s rim finishing and dunks feature good fundamentals. Many of his dunks are simple but effective.
Beringer does a good job of keeping the ball high, avoiding dips that would allow defenders to swipe it down, and finishing directly at the rim. Beringer doesn’t have much extra movement, and he can afford to do that because he possesses such quick-twitch athleticism that allows him to spring off the ground without a windup or momentum.
One of Beringer’s most impressive traits is his exceptional hands for a player who primarily grew up playing soccer. Beringer has a large catch radius due to his athleticism, but he had a fair amount of flying catches and finishes on his alley-oops this past season.
However, he stood out most in transition. Beringer’s teammates would throw him a distance lob, where he had to time his jump, make the catch, and throw it down simultaneously as a 7-footer soaring at the rim.
He finished plays with poise.
Beringer does not project as a shot creator, 3-point shooter, or playmaker. Still, he will find a way to impact the game.
He shines most on defense.
Similar to his offense, Beringer is still working through growing pains as he learns the game. His positioning can be erratic; he can gamble by hunting for blocks, but much of his defensive abilities are built around his athletic tools.
Beringer doesn’t position himself perfectly, and his drop coverage is a work in progress, which is typical for a big his age. It’s often difficult for bigs to find the perfect spot between the roller and ball handler. When Beringer extended his defense, he was still a bit erratic. However, his recovery speed and ability to quickly return to the ball covered his positional mistakes.
Beringer’s 8.1% block rate stands out, but it’s essential to understand the context. He had blocks as a helpside defender, ground coverage blocks on jumpers, and blocks recovering against ball handlers.
Beringer could bring exciting scheme versatility. Still, he would be wise to find a specific coverage he can rely upon. It is difficult to pinpoint where he will be best in the NBA, but there are multiple avenues for success. He can play drop and rely on his lateral movement and rim protection. Or he can focus on playing higher at the level of the screen and cover more ground.
He must put more weight and strength on as he develops into his frame, and he will have to adjust to the physicality of the NBA’s biggest and strongest players. Still, if Beringer can find a specific coverage defensively to rely on, the better.
Fortunately, there are multiple routes for success schematically, and Beringer’s athleticism gives him the flexibility to navigate a continued learning curve. There is still much to look forward to, given the chaos Beringer can already cause for opponents.
Suppose Beringer continues to lean into his simple play style on offense and his schematic versatility defensively. Then, he can develop into a rotational player for the Timberwolves in a couple of seasons.
Developing Beringer will require patience. He’ll spend time with the Iowa Wolves and hours in the training facility. Fortunately, there is plenty of time. Beringer will still only be 22 years old when his rookie-scale contract ends.
Additionally, there is no better player for Beringer to work with and learn from than Rudy Gobert, his fellow countryman.