Joan Beringer-Khaman Maluach matchup provides little theatrics but a crucial lesson

The Minnesota Timberwolves improved to 4-0 in NBA Summer League action with their 89-85 comeback victory over the Phoenix Suns on Wednesday. Trailing by seven with 6:42 remaining, Minnesota outscored Phoenix 22-11 the rest of the way.  Now, they wait and see if they will qualify to participate in the semifinals of the Summer League playoffs, which will take place on Saturday, July 19.

One of the intriguing matchups in Wednesday’s summer league affair between Minnesota and Phoenix was between the centers. Both Khaman Maluach and Joan Beringer were taken in the first round of June’s NBA Draft. The Suns traded for the 10th overall pick as part of the Kevin Durant deal and selected Maluach out of Duke. The Timberwolves selected Beringer with the 17th pick out of France. Minnesota fans were intrigued with how he would fare against a fellow rookie center, one who was selected before him.

While the Timberwolves remained undefeated in summer league play, the center matchup on Wednesday did not provide much theatrics. This shouldn't be a big deal for both rookies, however, as it's just summer league.

Center matchup between 2 first round selections

If you’re a fan of fouls, then perhaps you did enjoy the Beringer/Maluach matchup. They combined for 13 of them, seven for Beringer, six for Maluach. In the summer league, a player is allotted 10 fouls before being disqualified.

The amount of fouls (13) nearly equaled their combined point totals (14). Maluach did hit a couple of threes to showcase his potential as a stretch-five. Beringer finished the outing 2-7 from the field (2-2 from the foul line). The Frenchman added five rebounds and a block as well.

NBA Summer League overreactions aren't necessary

Unless a player looks completely lost on the court during summer league action, one should exhibit caution before coming up with overreactions. Keep in mind, both of these centers are still just 18 years old. The 7-foot-2 Maluach will turn 19 on September 4, with the 6-foot-10 Beringer doing likewise on November 6.

While Beringer has been fouling quite a bit in their four games (18 total), he has also shown a lot of potential on the defensive side. Opponents have sometimes been shy of attempting to shoot over him when down low, and he recorded nine blocks over the first three games. Working with and speaking to four-time Defensive Player of the Year Rudy Gobert should only allow Beringer to improve even further.

Hopefully, the Timberwolves' 4-0 record will be enough to help them advance to the summer league semifinals. While a consolation game would still occur, Beringer and others could be held out of it.