Joan Beringer is getting ready for an all-important second NBA season. Selected 17th overall in the 2025 NBA Draft, his rookie year was more about getting acclimated to the league and learning under veteran center Rudy Gobert.
This year, it seemingly looks like Beringer may be the first big off the bench for Chris Finch after the Minnesota Timberwolves traded away both Julius Randle and Naz Reid.
Turning 20 years old on November 11, it’s a leap of faith from the team after the Frenchman showcased in spurts that he can become an impactful player during his brief playing time as a rookie. The Wolves would have further belief that Beringer is ready if he shows out in upcoming summer league action.
Summer league play begins on Thursday for the Timberwolves
The Timberwolves’ summer league opener is just four days away (July 9), when they will take on the New Orleans Pelicans. Minnesota will play at least five games in Las Vegas, and it will be the fans’ first look at recent second-round draft picks Isaiah Evans and Trey Kaufman-Renn in a Wolves jersey.
Last year, the Timberwolves fell just shy of reaching the summer league semifinals after winning their first four contests. Beringer played in all four of those, while sitting out the consolation game.
Averaging 23.1 minutes in those four outings, Beringer posted averages of 6.8 points, 6.5 rebounds, 1.5 assists, and 2.5 blocks while shooting 10-for-19 from the field. A matchup between him and 2025 10th overall pick Khaman Maluach saw the two combine for nearly as many fouls (13) as points (14).Â
With a year under his belt, Beringer should feel much more comfortable playing in the summer league. The 6-foot-11 center should show much-improved numbers this year and help back the belief that the franchise has in him.
There have been reports that the Timberwolves are quite hesitant to include Beringer in any trade talks, and it’s understandable why, as he looks to be the eventual successor to Gobert as the club’s starting center.
One area I would like to see Beringer improve at is committing fewer fouls. Blessed with immense athleticism, he needs to learn not to try to block nearly everything and stay on his feet at times. In last year’s summer league, he had seven personal fouls in both his third and fourth appearances, a problem that also occurred at times when he saw extended playing time in the regular season.
Starting this Thursday, Beringer should look like one of the best players on the floor at all times. Countless Timberwolves fans wanted to see more of him last season, and they’ll get to watch him hopefully star in summer league play.Â
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