When the Minnesota Timberwolves drafted Joan Beirnger with the 17th overall pick in June, it was clear that this was a long-term vision. At the time, he was 18 and had just started playing basketball in 2021. Nevertheless, Beringer's upside was undeniable, and he quickly showed off his potential in the NBA Summer League as a mobile rim protector.
The vision with Beringer is clearly for him to be Rudy Gobert's ultimate successor. Right now, they desperately need a backup center and have struggled mightily on defense with Gobert on the bench. Notably, the Wolves' defense is 16 points per 100 possessions better with Gobert on the court.
It's understandable that the Wolves don't trust Beringer to play real minutes yet. Perhaps they trade for a big man at the deadline, as the non-Gobert minutes become more of a problem with each passing day. Still, the Wolves wouldn't punt on Beringer yet -- that would be foolish. As a result, they would likely trade for a big man who is on an expiring deal if they do indeed make a move.
I could see Beringer eventually getting some minutes this season, but injuries would likely have to arise given Chris Finch's hesitancy to play him and other young players. The bigger question is, will Beringer be ready for minutes next season, and what will the Wolves do if he's not?
The Wolves are banking on Beringer to solve the non-Rudy minutes
Maybe the Wolves will change their strategy, but based on their offseason approach this past summer, I think Tim Connelly will avoid signing a high-quality big man to give Beringer a pathway to earn minutes. The Wolves' cap situation further complicates matters.
There's no evidence that the non-Gobert minutes are suddenly going to get better. This year, they might very well just live with it, but at least next year the Wolves will need to address this problem, and the most likely scenario is that they'll be counting on Beringer to provide minutes next season.
It sounds great in theory, and Beringer's upside is clear, but the Wolves' recent track record with young players isn't great. That's not to say that Beringer definitely won't be able to provide quality minutes by next season, but it's undoubtedly fair to wonder. Plus, Gobert will be 34 and may need to see fewer minutes.
Another factor that needs to be mentioned is that the Wolves could trade for a point guard either at the deadline or in the offseason. If they make a trade for a star-level PG, it would likely involve one of the frontcourt players being moved. As such, Beringer would be counted on even more unless the Wolves get another big man back.
It's entirely possible that the Wolves won't just be counting on Beringer to play real minutes next season, but it could happen this year. All of this may seem to be far-out problems, but Beringer is a key part of the Wolves' future, and it's unclear what they'll do if he takes longer to develop.