Thrilling Joan Beringer truth that only die-hard fans know about

Minnesota Timberwolves rookie Joan Beringer hasn't played much this season. So far, the French big man has totaled 196 minutes, with many of these minutes being garbage time. Likewise, his averages of 3.1 points and 2.1 rebounds don't jump off the page. If you aren't a Timberwolves fan (or basketball sicko), it's understandable if you aren't aware of Beringer's recent play.

However, when he's played real minutes, Beringer has looked really good!

Beringer has played in three games where he's received 10-plus minutes. In these games, Beringer is averaging 10.6 points, 5.6 rebounds, 2 assists, and a block. The 19-year-old has given the Wolves a nice spark on both ends of the floor in these games. Coming into the draft, Beringer was viewed as a raw yet high-upside prospect. He notably only started playing basketball in 2021.

Nevertheless, it's clear that he's far ahead of schedule and already able to contribute to winning basketball. Beringer's ability to contribute real minutes, paired with his immense upside, has Timberwolves fans excited, and soon, general NBA fans will take notice.

Joan Beringer is ahead of schedule

Beringer's defense was his main selling point as a prospect. The Wolves drafted him 17th overall to be Rudy Gobert's successor. His blend of rim protection and mobility gives him significant potential on defense. I thought Beringer could be a plus defender from the jump -- but frankly, I always had my doubts about how he'd adjust offensively.

Thankfully, Beringer has answered the call and shut down my concerns in his limited minutes. His rim-running abilities and rock-solid hands stand out. While Beringer only scores around the rim, I've been impressed with his touch and feel as a passer on short rolls. Undoubtedly, how far along Beringer is on offense has impressed me.

Beringer's ability to be thrust into high-leverage minutes and thrive after only playing in garbage time and the G League couldn't be more remarkable.

In general, Beringer's energy is another massive positive. Whether it's crashing the glass, rotating over quickly as a help-side defender, or running in transition, he simply always plays with 100 percent effort. Granted, it's in very limited minutes, but Beringer posting a plus-19.9 on/off swing is telling.

While it's tricky to find minutes with the Wolves' loaded frontcourt, Beringer has proven to be one of the few impactful bench players. As such, Chris Finch must find ways to play him even if that's with two other big men. He's simply that good already.

Now, do I consider it likely? Probably not, we've seen time and again that Finch is reluctant to play Beringer real minutes when the Wolves are at full strength, despite him playing well against high-quality defenses.

Regardless, Beringer is quickly proving that he's a real contributor, and if he's this good already, it's exciting to wonder what he'll look like in a few years. Sooner rather than later, general NBA fans will notice Beringer.