The Minnesota Timberwolves' rookies are already making their mark at training camp. On Wednesday, Anthony Edwards complimented both Rocco Zikarsky and Joan Beringer, and marveled at the latter's intensity.
"Rocco blocked my shot during a drill today, and I was like 'how?' this don't even make sense," Edwards said. "Joan don't stop playing hard, he just don't get tired."
It says a lot that Minnesota's best player was caught off guard by the performance of these two rookies. To do it in a game setting is one thing, and to do it in a practice setting is another thing altogether. A statement like this from Edwards frames Beringer and Rocco as guys who may very quickly outperform their expectations through hustle and energy place.
This is an excellent sign for Beringer's rookie season. Even if he doesn't have refined post moves or consistent offensive abilities yet at this point, hustle and effort is the name of the game. Exhibiting those qualities and drills at training camp signals the kind of mindset that a coaching staff will respect.
Anthony Edwards says the two new Timberwolves rookies are "incredible"
— Wolves Lead (@TWolvesLead) October 1, 2025
"Rocco blocked my shot during a drill today, and I was like 'how?' this don't even make sense. Joan don't stop playing hard, he just don't get tired." pic.twitter.com/JeWxRZ6OI4
Beringer has impressed Anthony Edwards
Doing the kind of things that even superstar players like Edwards don't expect in practice sends a clear message. Beringer is reminding everyone that he belongs where he's at. For other young guys and veterans alike, seeing him make surprise plays and hustle all over the court like this only serves to up the ante.
Ultimately, Beringer really competing his tail off at training camp could end up shifting how Chris Finch sees the rotations playing out. Perhaps Joan isn't just some long-term developmental project, and maybe he can impact winning with this group right away. Timberwolves fans are conditioned to believe that rookies won't play in Finch's system, but you never know.
Moments like this one end up fueling belief in the front office, and it could very well be the moment Beringer shifts from being looked at as some sort of future project to a guy who is already contributing. If he can consistently bring this kind of energy, Joan could easily carve out more minutes earlier in the season than many anticipated.
Even if he's just playing limited minutes, being the guy who doesn't get tired is a role in and of itself. Beringer can be a spark plug and a surprise matchup problem if nothing else this season, and Anthony Edwards already knows it.