It has often been said that the backup quarterback is the most popular guy in town. This is because he brings an unknown element, and the fanbase wants to see if he can provide a spark. The same can be said in the NBA, for that recently-drafted rookie who begins the year on the bench. For Timberwolves fans, that player is Joan Beringer.
On his podcast, Zach Lowe of The Ringer went live from Minnesota. His guests included people that Timberwolves fans are aware of: Jon Krawczynski of The Athletic, guard Donte DiVincenzo, and head coach Chris Finch. Finch mentioned Beringer in passing, but it elicited a loud cheer from the live Minnesotan audience.
"'And with our young depth whether it be Rob (Dillingham), TJ (Shannon), or Jaylen Clark, and you know, Finch said. Hopefully, soon we’ll throw in Joan Beringer there too."
Beringer could help the Wolves in the non-Rudy minutes
It was less than five months ago when the Wolves selected Beringer with the 17th overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. As a player with little experience, even playing the sport, and one who just turned 19 on November 11, expectations were that he might be more of a long-term project and a potential replacement in the future for the 33-year-old Rudy Gobert.
After some early-season woes on the defensive end, Minnesota has been creeping up the leaderboard in defensive rating. Part of that may be because the recent schedule has lessened up (six of the last seven games against under-.500 teams). Still, problems often arise when Gobert is off the court.
Could Beringer help in those minutes when Gobert is resting? Fans saw those glimpses of his defensive prowess in the summer league and preseason. The 6-foot-11 center is waiting patiently to showcase himself in the regular season as well.
Beringer has begun the season out of rotation
Through 12 games, Beringer has appeared in 8 of them. He’s certainly not in the rotation yet though. All of his playing time has come in the fourth quarter with the game no longer in question. His next time on the court in non-garbage time will also be his first time.
Odds are that Rudy Gobert, Naz Reid, and Julius Randle won’t all play in 82 games this year. Beringer is the next man up when it comes to the big man depth chart. It could be important for Finch to get him meaningful action and not just throw him out there if one of those three is out.