The Minnesota Timberwolves’ offseason had an interesting prelude that revolved around Giannis Antetokounmpo. The Timberwolves were routinely mentioned in the pursuit of “The Greek Freak,” but in the end, the cost proved to be too steep before he was traded to the Miami Heat.
Not landing Giannis may have been disappointing to some Wolves fans, but it may not be a lost cause thanks to Joan Beringer.
A first-round pick by the Timberwolves in the 2025 NBA Draft, Beringer dominated in his NBA Summer League debut, scoring 18 points with 11 rebounds and four blocks in a 105-92 win over the New Orleans Pelicans. But he may be ready for more, as he revealed that he’s watched a lot of Antetokounmpo to prepare for his sophomore season.
“I love his (Giannis') game,” Beringer said via Travis Singleton, who goes by Sneaker Reporter on his X account. “He’s my favorite player, so I try to watch him. …His ability to drive…[play] through contact. All of that stuff.”
As a high-upside athletic project player, Beringer shares some clear similarities with Giannis.
Joan Beringer could be a diet version of Giannis Antetokounmpo
If Beringer even turns out to be a “diet” version of Antetokounmpo, the Wolves will be glad they kept Beringer out of a potential deal.
The 19-year-old, who will turn 20 in November, was impressive when called upon, averaging 17.9 points, 10.5 rebounds and 3.0 blocks per 36 minutes during his rookie season and had better numbers than Antetokounmpo's rookie season, when he averaged 10.0 points, 6.4 rebounds and 1.2 blocks per 36 minutes.
While Antetokounmpo was getting more playing time with 77 games and 23 starts, he doubled his overall points per game from 6.8 during his rookie season to 12.7 in his second year while also grabbing 6.7 rebounds and averaging a block per contest.
The Wolves would gladly take that improvement, as Beringer should have a larger role next season. Julius Randle and Naz Reid were removed from the frontcourt in separate trades, and it should clear up minutes for Beringer to be Rudy Gobert’s primary backup at center. Beringer also played power forward with Rocco Zikarsky playing center during Thursday’s win over the Pelicans, perhaps showing some positional versatility when the situation calls for it.
That leap could be massive if Beringer is called upon, and it could show why the Wolves weren’t willing to include him as talks for Antetokounmpo intensified.
If he lives up to the hype, Minnesota could have another foundational piece for its roster moving forward and perhaps have some unlikely firepower as they battle in the Western Conference.
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