Minnesota Timberwolves center Joan Beringer is one of the more intriguing rookies. The 6-foot-11 Frenchman has an ideal blend of athleticism, size, mobility, and length. This skill set allows Beringer to be highly impactful as a defender. However, given how deep the Wolves' rotation is and that the 18-year-old big man is still raw, Beringer’s rookie season will be primarily a developmental year.
Beringer's projected role as a rookie
Chris Finch has discussed expanding the Wolves' rotation to possibly go 10-deep. With Naz Reid, Donte DiVincenzo, Terrence Shannon Jr., Rob Dillingham, and Jaylen Clark all above him, Beringer’s path to minutes is unclear. Beringer will likely spend some time with the Iowa G League squad, especially early in the year. Spending some time in the G League will help Beringer better adjust to the NBA game, particularly offensively.
The Wolves have shown a willingness to send rookies down to Iowa. With an 18-year-old big man who just started playing competitive basketball three years ago, this strategy will be even more logical. Beringer’s defense has always been his calling card; with elite shot blocking and switchability, he could make an immediate defensive impact. He made waves with his summer league debut, racking up six blocks.
Good example of Joan Beringer's mobility.
— Jonah (@Huncho_Jman) July 17, 2025
Getting through the initial screen, fighting around the bump, sliding back to Maluach before exploding towards the ball to disrupt the shot. pic.twitter.com/vSfiBIp9ue
While Beringer’s defense is likely already at an NBA level, his offense isn’t. In summer league play, he averaged 6.8 points on 52.6 percent shooting from the field. Undoubtedly, Beringer has some solid offensive tools, including good hands, athleticism, and screening. This skill set gives him a clear role as a quality lob threat.
However, there are also plenty of times when Beringer looks a step behind on offense, and it’s clear he needs more time to develop on this end of the court, with decision-making being a key area of growth. For a competitive team, it’s hard to justify playing Beringer real minutes given his raw offensive skill set.
Beringer is a project player with immense upside. While Beringer's summer league showed that he is ahead of schedule, it’s also clear he can’t handle significant minutes as a rookie. If Beringer were on a rebuilding team, this would be a different story. Nevertheless, on a Timberwolves team that has title hopes and a loaded rotation, it will be hard for Beringer to crack the rotation.
Beringer will still get some NBA minutes as a rookie
None of this is to say that Beringer will get no minutes as a rookie. Still, his opportunities will be limited, and development will be the main focus. In games, where Rudy Gobert, Julius Randle, and Reid aren’t playing, Beringer will likely earn some minutes. Additionally, in blowouts or games against rebuilding opponents, Beringer will also get some burn.
It will be intriguing to see how impactful Beringer’s defense is at the NBA level and how his offense develops as a rookie. Overall, Beringer is a player with incredible upside, but also someone who needs time and patience to reach his full potential.