The June 25th NBA Draft can't get here soon enough for San Antonio Spurs fans who are eager to see who they will select. While many fans already have a preferred prospect when it comes to the Spurs' second and 14th picks, most forget that they also have the 38th pick.
That affords them the chance to add a first-round talent that has slipped into the second round. Every year, some players are mocked to be first-round picks but slide, and the Spurs should be eyeing one talented prospect projected to go in that range.
The San Antonio Spurs may select French center Joan Beringer
18-year-old French center Joan Beringer has the physical tools and skill set to stick in the NBA. Berenger is still far from a finished product, with him only having started playing basketball back in 2021, but the talent is definitely there.
He is relatively far along in terms of his experience level but is steadily climbing up draft boards. The adage that you can't teach size rings true, and Beringer stands out at 6-10 with a stellar 7-5 wingspan.
The Spurs could use a backup center, and Beringer could very well develop a skilled backup big man. He is already a talented rim protector who uses his length and size to effectively contest shots.
Joan Beringer made a major impact for Cedevita last week against Euroleague squad Partizan. 10+5 in 22 minutes and a bunch of impressive plays defensively for the toolsy 18-year-old potential lottery pick. Adriatic League playoffs start this weekend. pic.twitter.com/A6jJ87mzEX
— Jonathan Givony (@DraftExpress) May 7, 2025
Better yet, he is shockingly agile for a player his size, effortlessly defending away from the rim. He can switch onto guards or wings and keep up with them when defending drives.
Joan Beringer could fill a role for the San Antonio Spurs
Offensively, Beringer fits the mold of a rim-running big man who can put pressure on defenses by setting screens and rolling to the basket. Having one or two capable backup centers is a must with Victor Wembanyama having to carry the team on both sides of the ball. Especially with the team's struggles when he's off the floor, as a result, it should be a major offseason priority.
The odds that the Spurs select another big man with one of their two first-round picks are relatively high, but that shouldn't preclude them from picking Beringer if he falls to the second round.
Finding a player who can play a role in the second round would be a boon for the Spurs, especially one who still has plenty of upside. He may not be able to play a role immediately, and at 18 years old, he is the perfect player to take a flyer on in the hopes that he turns into a legit NBA center in two or three years.
All in all, Beringer would be an excellent pick if available in the early second round. Given the Spurs' need for a backup center, he would be a worthwhile addition given his age and potential upside.