Particularly since Rudy Gobert was acquired by the Timberwolves in the 2022 offseason from the Jazz, they have built a strong identity on the defensive end. In his three years since joining the team, Minnesota has finished 10th, first, and sixth in defensive rating, with The Stifle Tower winning Defensive Player of the Year in 2023-24.
At 33 years old, Gobert is signed for the next two seasons before having a player option in 2027-28 worth $38 million. The Wolves seem to be looking for a succession plan for the post-Gobert era after selecting center Joan Beringer 17th overall in the 2025 NBA Draft.
Turning just 19 years old on November 11, it’s unclear if the French big man is ready for a big role from the get-go, but when he is, Beringer should help continue to allow Minnesota to be one of the better defensive teams.
Joan Beringer can become a standout on the defensive end
It has been well-documented that Beringer hasn’t even been playing basketball for all that long. He didn’t even get into the sport until the summer of 2021, as he previously focused on soccer. Now standing at 6-foot-11, he was told that his height made him a fit for the game. It seems like the move to basketball was the correct decision.
For only about four years of experience with basketball, it’s impressive that Beringer became a first-round draft pick, and one taken just outside of the lottery. It was known entering the 2025 NBA Draft that his offensive game might be somewhat raw at the start, but that he had endless potential when it comes to the defensive side.
Playing for Cedevita Olimpija last season, Beringer averaged 5.1 points and 1.4 blocks in 18.2 minutes.
Beringer showed glimpses of potential in the summer league
The Timberwolves’ fanbase's first experience of really getting to see Beringer came in their summer league opener in July. That defensive prowess he possesses was seen firsthand as he finished with six rejections against the Pelicans. The 18-year-old would block four more shots in his other three summer league outings.
With Gobert manning the middle and Naz Reid getting a lot of minutes off the bench, Beringer may not see a lot of playing time early on. With such little playing experience, though, it’s not hard to imagine Beringer continuing to improve and becoming a viral part of the Timberwolves in the not-so-distant future.