Joan Beringer's athleticism pops off the screen. Simply put, you don't see many 6-foot-11 players move the way he does; this is in part why the 19-year-old has significant upside. In his limited minutes with the Minnesota Timberwolves as a rookie, Beringer's athleticism as a shot blocker, switchable defender, and rim runner was on full display.
The Timberwolves traded Julius Randle and Naz Reid, giving Beringer a clear runway to consistent minutes. Fortunately, the Timberwolves' style of play should help maximize Beringer's skill set and ensure a productive offensive season in year two.
After years of operating at a methodical pace, the Timberwolves took on a faster-paced identity last season, ranking 10th in pace. Likewise, they ranked 10th in transition points. With LaMelo Ball in the fold and the Timberwolves leaning into a perimeter-centric team, they are primed to play at an even faster pace, and that's perfect for Beringer.
Additionally, the Timberwolves are banking on switchability over frontcourt size to sustain defensive success with a smaller team. And while Beringer will man the middle for Minnesota's defense when Rudy Gobert is off the court, his ability to switch onto the perimeter if needed will fit into their defensive identity.
Joan Beringer's fit with the Timberwolves' fast-paced offense
Beringer's offensive role is a high-energy rim runner. Whether it's rolling off screens or getting out in transition at full blast, Beringer can thrive in this role. He also has fantastic hands, which allow him to catch difficult passes.
Keeping with the theme of pace, Beringer should be an elite transition player who fits in perfectly with the Timberwolves' identity. And playing alongside LaMelo should help maximize these skills.
It's a small sample size, but the Timberwolves' offense was 12 points per 100 possessions with Beringer on the court. Even if it's a small sample size (and a number that's unsustainable), his speed and athleticism clearly unlocked a different element in the Wolves' offense.
As the Timberwolves look to go all-in on a faster-paced identity, with an emphasis on transition scoring, Beringer can be crucial to their success.
To be clear, this isn't a shot against Rudy Gobert, who remains a fantastic defensive anchor and a key part of the Timberwolves' success. Regardless, at 34 years old, Gobert won't be as important to the Timberwolves' fast pace and transition success as Beringer will be.
While speed and pace are a theme throughout the Timberwolves' rotation, this is especially the case for the bench unit. In addition to Beringer, Bones Hyland and Terrence Shannon Jr. thrive at playing fast. There's also a chance that we see Ayo Dosunmu come off the bench, which could give the Timberwolves' second unit a truly unmatched level of speed.
Beringer will help the Timberwolves' new-look defensive identity work
As noted earlier, the Timberwolves' defense is primed to focus on more switchability and speed to negate some of their size concerns. Finding a big man who can switch onto the perimeter is difficult. Yet for what the Timberwolves are going for, this is an essential element. Thankfully, Gobert can absolutely switch onto the perimeter, and Beringer has the upside to do this as well.
Beringer's rare athleticism and speed can allow him to defend opposing guards in pick-and-rolls. In an NBA trending more and more toward matchup hunting, having a center who can guard the perimeter in a pinch is a distinct advantage. The vision for Beringer is a switchable rim protector, which is something he flashed upside of as a rookie.
Sure, Beringer will have to prove that he can deliver on this upside. If everything goes right, though, he'll be able to man the middle while switching onto the perimeter if needed. That's a dangerous combination.
Overall, from both an offensive pace and defensive switchability, Beringer is perfect for what the Timberwolves are trying to build.
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