The Minnesota Timberwolves came away with two centers in the 2025 NBA Draft. They selected Joan Beringer with their first-round pick at #17. He is expected to be a long-term project player, but team president Tim Connelly sees potential in the young center from France.
Beringer is a raw prospect who began started playing basketball at 14. That is a short turnaround from being primarily a soccer player to reaching the pinnacle of the basketball world.
Joan Beringer arrives before the first round of the 2025 NBA Draft at Barclays Center.
Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images
The Timberwolves have needed frontcourt depth for a while, but they do not want to go too far and mess up the rotation. Since the plans are to focus on retaining Naz Reid and Julius Randle, a project center was a good draft selection.
With Beringer, the Timberwolves have a raw prospect, but he could turn into an All-Defensive Team talent with his raw physical traits and the mentorship of veteran French center and four-time Defensive Player of the Year, Rudy Gobert.
Connelly Loves What He Sees From Berringer's Potential
Berringer was high up on the Timberwolves' big board because they acknowledged his potential. Of course, he is still a raw player, but having Gobert as a mentor is a big positive. Not only are they both French, but they have many similarities in their styles.
Connelly knows Berringer will take some time to get used to playing in the NBA, but he is in the right environment to learn.
" We had a workout recently, we followed closely. Such a unique story, this was his first year playing professional basketball as he outgrew his soccer cleats," Connelly said after the 2025 Draft. "Every time we watched him, we were blown away with his instincts... He's very raw, but really bright. He has developed at a pace I've never seen who's new to professional basketball. He was our guy when the night started, and we were very fortunate he was there."
The same goes for second-round selection Rocco Zikarsky, who is a 7'2" big man from Australia. He will be another project who can either stay in Australia as a draft-and-stash player or regularly feature in the G-League's Iowa Wolves.
The Timberwolves Have A Bright Future With Berringer
If the Timberwolves do not mess this up, they have a future franchise center in Berringer. He is still quite raw, which means he can improve on every part of his game. Berringer is already a prolific dunker, but he could improve his overall offensive game in the post and even a jump shot.
That will be later on, as the focus is adapting to the NBA's physicality and pace. He is a natural athlete who is quick to adapt, as evidenced by his rapid ascent as a basketball player.
As long as he stays positive by learning from his mentors and coaches, Berringer has a bright future with the Timberwolves alongside mainstays Anthony Edwards and Jaden McDaniels.