It only took 1 game for Joan Beringer to prove the Timberwolves right

After the Minnesota Timberwolves selected French big man Joan Beringer with the 17th overall pick, there was some level of skepticism in drafting an 18-year-old big man for a contending team. However, Beringer's first summer league game should negate these concerns, and the Wolves front office looks like they have found a gem.

Beringer recorded 11 points, eight rebounds, six blocks, and an assist en route to a 98-91 win over the New Orleans Pelicans. Yes, it’s just one summer league game, but Beringer already looks like a pro and is more NBA-ready than most expected. Let’s dive into Beringer’s stellar summer league debut and what it means for the Wolves.

Beringer's summer league debut

The most impressive aspect of Beringer’s game was his shot-blocking and rim protection. Beringer’s six blocks were just below the summer league record of seven blocks in a game. Heading into the draft, Beringer was considered the best shot blocker in the class, and it's easy to see why after his summer league debut. Beringer's timing, length, athleticism, and discipline make him an elite shot blocker. Only recording two fouls speaks volumes about his defensive discipline. 

Offensively was the main area of concern for Beringer. However, he was highly impactful as a lob threat and rim finisher. Beringer caught lobs with ease and provided an efficient source of offense for the Wolves. Paired with his impressive screening abilities, Beringer has a projectable offensive role. He even threw a pinpoint full-court outlet pass to Leonard Miller after grabbing a defensive rebound. While it’s just one play, it showcases his upside as a playmaker and feel for the game.

What makes this more impressive is that Beringer did this against Yves Missi, who just made the all-rookie second team and is already a quality NBA center.

Beringer's NBA role as a rookie

Beringer was seen as a project player by many. However, his summer league debut proves Beringer is closer to a legit rotational role than many people believed. Of course, one summer league game doesn’t guarantee Beringer a spot in a loaded Wolves’ rotation. Still, it certainly shows he’s a lot closer to that than most people anticipated. 

Beringer’s two-way abilities appear to be NBA-ready, especially his impact as a rim protector.  The Wolves could feasibly use Beringer as a backup behind Rudy Gobert. As an all-time great defender, Gobert is the ideal mentor for Beringer. However, he could give the Wolves a nice flair of athleticism and switchability as a backup big man. The Wolves’ vision of Beringer as Gobert’s successor in a few years couldn’t be clearer.

Overall, Beringer's first summer league game shows that he is NBA-ready and that the Wolves likely made an awesome selection. This should excite Wolves, especially when paired with Beringer’s upside.