Timberwolves Draft French Big Man

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Joan Beringer, Minnesota Timberwolves
Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images

For the first time in history the NBA Draft is a two-night event. The NBA has seen what the NFL has monetized their selection show into. Generating a similar level of buzz is the goal. The Minnesota Timberwolves entered Wednesday night with the ability to make a selection in both rounds.

Although Tim Connelly dangled the 17th overall pick to the Phoenix Suns in a potential trade package for Kevin Durant, his attempts were thwarted. That left the team president in position to make a first round selection just days after Alex Rodriguez and Marc Lore’s group took over as owners of the franchise.

Last season Connelly moved up in the draft to grab Rob Dillingham. He was reportedly eyeing that opportunity this time around as well, but it never came to fruition. Instead the MN Timberwolves stayed at 17 and grabbed center Joan Beringer.

Center Joan Beringer goes to Minnesota Timberwolves

You don’t have to imagine Rudy Gobert going anywhere, but he’s now going to be joined by another Frenchman at the center position. With the 17th overall pick, the MN Timberwolves took big man Joan Beringer.

At 7’0″ Joan Beringer checks in near the same height as fellow Timberwolves big man Rudy Gobert (7’1″). His ridiculous 7’4.5″ wingspan is why scorers fear him going to the hole.

The 18-year-old played 17 games for Cedevita Olimpija in the Euro Cup this season. As a youngster he averaged just 17.5 minutes per game but averaged 5.5 rebounds and 1.2 blocks. Across 30 games in the AdmiralBet League Beringer got 18.3 minutes per game and tallied 4.1 rebounds with 1.5 blocks.

ESPN called Beringer the best rim protector in saying his “draft stock skyrocketed this season as scouts gradually made the trip to see him in Europe, as his excellent defensive abilities and shot-blocking chops at 18 years old were on display.”

Rudy Gobert’s contract extension kicks in this season for the Minnesota Timberwolves. He’s set to earn $109.5 million over the next three years. After the 2026-27 season though, Gobert owns a player option. It’s obvious that Beringer could wind up being the replacement.

Both Beringer and Gobert having the same geographical background should serve the youngster well from an acclimation process. His addition to the Timberwolves rotation should also present Chris Finch an opportunity to utilize Naz Reid (assuming he signs an extension) in the forward role rather than playing center.

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Minnesota still needs some help on the playmaker and point guard front. If they want to push Anthony Edwards beyond the Western Conference Finals in 2025-26, then roster construction will continue to be a focal point the rest of the summer.

Expect more from Joan Beringer as MN Timberwolves time grows

Rudy Gobert has won a ridiculous four defensive player of the year awards. He’s among the best big men to ever step on the hardwood. He has been named to the NBA All-Defensive Team eight times. Joan Beringer aspires to be even a shred of that.

The good news for him, and the Minnesota Timberwolves, is that the youngster has arrived in the perfect landing spot. He’s 18 years old and has been playing professionally for just a single season. He only began playing basketball at 14 and his ability to develop remains uncapped.

With someone he can lean on, from a similar background, the Timberwolves clearly knew what they were doing. Being around young teammates like Anthony Edwards, Jaden McDaniels, and others there may not be a way to maximize his potential more.

There are going to be some growing pains, but it’s clear why Connelly and company liked this path forward. If things work out as planned, the Minnesota rotation is going to be that much more scary.

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