While the Minnesota Timberwolves didn't have a lottery pick in this year's NBA Draft, they seemingly scored a potential game-changing first-round pick. The team opted for 18-year-old French center Joan Beringer, whom the team drafted based on his experience playing in Slovenia.
While playing for Cedevita Olimpija, the 6-foot-11 Beringer averaged 4.7 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks per game. Among his accolades in limited playing experience were helping the team win the Slovenian Basketball Cup and leading the league in blocks.
Minnesota is expecting more of his defensive skills and improvement on offense as part of their roster. Some believe he could become a suitable backup option for four-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year Rudy Gobert, who isn't necessarily known for his scoring.
Joan Beringer at the 2025 NBA Draft
Joan Beringer arrives before the first round of the 2025 NBA Draft at Barclays Center.
Brad Penner-Imagn Images
On Thursday, Beringer and the Timberwolves' Summer League squad had their first game in Las Vegas against the New Orleans Pelicans. Beringer was among the rookies, second-year players, and G League stars eager to show their abilities.
And he seemingly did that in his time on the hardwood. Two minutes into the contest, the No. 17 pick had already recorded two blocked shots.
Along with impressive performances from his teammates, including second-year guards Rob Dillingham and Terrence Shannon Jr., Minnesota held a 48-40 lead at halftime.
However, much of the talk centered on the French rookie's versatile performance on the court so far.
Among Beringer's other highlights during the game were multiple dunks, one of which was an alley oop courtesy of Terrence Shannon Jr.'s pass.
The Pelicans challenged briefly into the fourth, but were unable to put together enough of a run. When all was said and done, Minnesota captured a 98-91 victory in their first Summer League game, which included 11 blocks for the team. Over half of those came from Beringer.
His stellar debut in Vegas included 11 points, eight rebounds, seven blocks, two steals, and an assist. Fans in the Timberwolves Reddit forum were quite impressed with what the rookie showed in his Summer League performance.
"Two blocks AND he's first down the floor in transition. This is the type of center every team wants," one fan commented.
"Man I love his activity. Look at him run to the other end immediately too. He is deceptively fast!" another fan commented on Reddit.
"The definition of active hands and effort," a fan wrote.
One Timberwolves fan said, "It's one game and summer league talent but dude looks like a steal so far. Teach him well Rudy."
The NBA Summer League games offer players the chance to gain valuable court time as they strive to secure a spot in the team's main rotation. During Thursday's game in Las Vegas, Timberwolves head coach Chris Finch and majority owner Alex Rodriguez were among those on hand to witness the team's performance.
While speaking to ESPN2's commentators, Finch praised Beringer, saying he has "impeccable timing," "has great feel although he's incredibly raw still," and is "fearless." Finch also credited Timberwolves general manager Tim Connelly for locking in on him as the team's No. 17 pick.