Joan Beringer hasn't done much in Minnesota Timberwolves' gear yet. The team has high hopes for their rookie first-rounder, but so far, the French big man has only played 19 career games, and he is averaging just 6.7 minutes in those appearances. Chris Finch has been giving Beringer more of a chance in recent games, though.
After not playing from Nov. 19 until Dec. 27, Beringer has seen court time in 10 of the Timberwolves' last 14 games. Most of his on-court action this year has been in garbage time, but Beringer has even surpassed the 20-minute threshold in two of Minnesota's last five games. His +30 plus/minus performance in a 13-point showing against the Milwaukee Bucks, in particular, got fans excited over what the youngster can do going forward.
Beringer has the skill set to play more minutes right now, and if the Timberwolves promote him to a bigger role, Naz Reid could be directly impacted.
Joan Beringer may force Naz Reid into small forward minutes
Reid is a fan favorite for Wolf Pack Nation. He is a former Sixth Man of the Year winner who was rewarded with a big contract in the offseason. Reid is so beloved because his skill set is so unique for a center. Reid is averaging a career-high 14.6 points per game because he can play outside on the perimeter.
Reid's 3-point shot is a thing of beauty. He can both work as a catch-and-shoot threat and he can create his own shot, even resorting to stepbacks and sidesteps to get jumpers off. Furthermore, Reid can put the ball on the ground and create off the dribble, a rarity for players of his size. This unicorn-esque skill set has led to Reid splitting time between the four and the five in recent years.
Reid is Rudy Gobert's backup, but he can operate as a stretch four, too. Reid's offensive abilities are so unique that it wouldn't come as a surprise if he even played some minutes as a jumbo small forward. Doing so would allow Beringer to get more minutes.
The rookie came into the league as an elite shot-blocking prospect. Pairing Reid, Beringer, and Gobert on the floor together would basically prevent anyone from attempting to come inside. Small ball was all the rage a few seasons ago, but fans have seen the Houston Rockets find success with massive lineups this year.
Beringer has proven he is ready for a bigger role. More Reid minutes at the four, or even the small forward spot, is the easiest avenue for Finch to find minutes for the youngster.