The Minnesota Timberwolves are having one of their most promising seasons in recent memory, and part of that success stems from a culture that embraces competition - not just against opponents, but within the locker room itself. That competitive fire burns so hot in Minnesota that even a rookie like Joan Beringer isn’t afraid to challenge the face of the franchise, Anthony Edwards.
Beringer, the 17th overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, might not be a household name yet, but the 6-foot-11 French big man is already turning heads. He made a strong first impression during the NBA Summer League, where his rim protection stood out as elite for a first-year player.
While he hasn’t carved out a consistent spot in the Wolves’ rotation just yet - largely due to the team’s frontcourt depth - Beringer has made the most of his opportunities. In a recent game against the Spurs, he logged 23 minutes and delivered a solid stat line: 10 points, 8 rebounds, and 2 blocks.
That’s the kind of performance that keeps a rookie ready for when the moment comes.
But it’s not just in games where Beringer is making noise. Behind closed doors, during team practices, he’s been going toe-to-toe with the Wolves’ top talent. And he’s not shy about it either.
“I get yelled at when I switch onto Edwards on defense,” Beringer said. “But honestly, I’ve got good footwork. Out of four one-on-ones, I can stop him two or three times.”
That’s a bold claim - especially when you’re talking about Anthony Edwards, a three-time All-Star who’s currently putting up a career-high 29.6 points per game. Edwards is one of the league’s most explosive scorers, a nightmare to guard in isolation, and a player who thrives on proving people wrong. So naturally, when he heard Beringer’s comments, he didn’t exactly hold back.
“Who? Him? Nah, I’ll f*** Joan up,” Edwards said with a laugh.
That’s classic Ant. This is the same guy who once claimed he could beat an Olympic table tennis player without any real experience. Confidence isn’t in short supply with Edwards - and clearly, Beringer’s got a healthy dose of it too.
And honestly, that’s exactly what you want to see from a young player trying to break into a talented rotation. Beringer’s not just collecting reps - he’s testing himself against one of the best in the league. That kind of internal competition is how good teams stay sharp, and how young players grow fast.
Whether or not Beringer can really stop Edwards two or three times out of four is almost beside the point. What matters is that he believes he can, and that he’s willing to put in the work to try. For a rookie still fighting for minutes, that mindset is invaluable.
The Timberwolves are building something real this season, and it’s not just about the stars. It’s about the culture - one where even the newest guy in the locker room isn’t afraid to challenge the alpha.
If Beringer keeps that edge and continues to develop, it won’t be long before he’s a regular part of Minnesota’s rotation. And when that time comes, don’t be surprised if that confidence - the same one that has him switching onto Anthony Edwards in practice - pays off in a big way.