Last season was essentially a redshirt year for Joan Beringer. Yes, he played, but it wasn’t a substantial amount, and he only received garbage time if the team was at full strength. There was even a period where the big man went to the G League to get some action with the Iowa Wolves.
After the Minnesota Timberwolves traded both Julius Randle and Naz Reid, that seemed to be a sign that Beringer would see more of a role next season. Michael Scotto of HoopsHype seemingly confirmed that.
"Minnesota also remains very bullish on 19-year-old center Joan Beringer, who’s expected to have a bigger role this upcoming season," Scotto wrote.
Even if Scotto's report isn't shocking to Wolves fans (who connected the dots after the Randle and Reid trade), it's notable that he confirmed Beringer will have a bigger role.
It’s a year where Beringer needs to show growth, and he has a new point guard in LaMelo Ball that could make it easier for him to do so.
Beringer’s role should expand greatly next seasonÂ
The 17th overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, Beringer will turn 20 years old on November 11. The 6-foot-11 center played just 314 total minutes in the regular season (and 23 more in the postseason), but in that brief time, he showcased why he can be ready for a larger role in 2026-27.
Per-36-minute averages of 17.9 points, 10.5 rebounds, and 3.0 blocks show that Beringer is capable of putting up numbers with more time. As of now, he looks like he will be the first big man off the bench, a role that could potentially get him 15-20 minutes in most games.
I truly believe his game can reach even greater heights playing alongside Ball. Beringer is willing to run, and while he won’t start with LaMelo, they will certainly get some playing time alongside each other. Ball is more than willing to throw lobs, and that should benefit Beringer, as well as Gobert. The Timberwolves didn’t really have that type of lead guard on their roster last season.
It’s not surprising to see it reported that the Wolves are bullish on Beringer. It has been stated that Minnesota did not want to include Beringer in any trade talks, as he continues to be seen as the successor to Gobert as the team’s starting center. This gave fans a hint that Beringer would play more, and the Wolves' subsequent moves further confirmed it.
Personally, I’m excited to see Beringer unleashed more in 2026-27. An offensive lineup of Ball, Anthony Edwards, Jaden McDaniels, Ayo Dosunmu, and Beringer (even replace one of the first four with Bones Hyland) will be willing to run and produce a high-octane offense.
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