One of the biggest concerns about Joan Beringer's ability to thrive in a bigger role with the Minnesota Timberwolves is his tendency to commit fouls. I've pointed this concern out before, and averaging 5.4 fouls per 36 minutes is a red flag. After playing just 314 minutes on defense, it's worth wondering how this problem will fare in a scaled-up role.
Beringer will need to work on being more disciplined on defense. However, lest we forget, he will only play during the non-Rudy Gobert minutes, giving him about 15 minutes per game. As such, even if he doesn't become much more disciplined, he won't be in jeopardy of fouling out most nights. If he were a starter, this would be a different story.
Sure, might try to test him, and it wouldn't be ideal if he picks up a few fouls and sends players to the line when he's on the court. It won't be a detrimental problem, though. Even if he doesn't totally transform this problem, some natural improvements are to be expected with more regular minutes.
My point is that this problem isn't a dealbreaker for his projection in year two.
Joan Beringer should be a quality backup big man this season
The vision for Beringer isn't for him to be perfect this year. That's unrealistic for a second-year player who only started playing basketball in 2021. The vision is for Beringer to be a quality backup to Gobert, and he should be able to do that.
When he's playing, the Wolves are hoping that he can stabilize the non-Gobert minutes on defense, which has long been an issue for the team. Last season, Minnesota's defensive rating was 11.8 points per 100 possessions worse when Gobert was off the court.
Gobert is a historically great rim protector, so the Wolves will never be better with him off the court. But if Beringer can ensure these minutes aren't a total disaster, that'll be a win. And since he's a natural rim protector, this is a realistic possibility even if he has some foul woes.
Despite Beringer showing off some of his inexperience by picking up fouls, he was impactful as a rim protector and shot blocker. Notably, per Databallr, Beringer ranked in the 92nd percentile per 100 possessions. Teams will naturally attack the rim more when Gobert is off the court, but Beringer's shot-blocking can make them pay for this.
Beringer showed enough in his rookie season to earn a bigger role, and there will certainly be some natural growth. While his foul trouble is heavily discussed, I think simply continuing to add muscle is more important so he can guard physical centers. Guarding with more physicality is what I'll mainly be looking at in terms of areas of growth.
In any event, there's a ton to be excited about with his defensive impact, and there's no reason to be overly concerned.
Beringer can also give the Wolves' offense some real juice, with his freak athleticism and strong hands. Playing alongside LaMelo Ball at times can maximize this part of Beringer's game. The Timberwolves' offense may be straight-up better with Beringer on the court, due to his lob-catching prowess and athletic gifts.
Given his blend of rim protection and rim-running, Beringer should be a quality backup, foul woes aside. And that's all you can ask for from a second-year big man.
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