The Timberwolves needed answers in the frontcourt after an offseason full of change, and Joan Beringer wasted little time making his case in the preseason opener.
Minnesota added Trey Lyles to help patch the depth issue, but the bigger swing still comes from internal growth. That puts the spotlight on Beringer, who flashed in spot minutes as a rookie and looked far more comfortable against the Milwaukee Bucks.
In 15 minutes, Beringer put up 12 points, grabbed seven rebounds and added a block. He did it efficiently, knocking down 5 of 8 shots from the field, and he brought a jolt of energy the moment he checked in. His first basket came on an emphatic putback dunk, the kind of play that matched the pace he carried all night as he raced the floor, attacked the offensive glass and turned transition into easy points.
The matchup also showed why Minnesota believes his role can expand. Beringer’s screening stood out, an important part of the job for any big man in this system. As his frame continues to fill out, that piece of his game could determine how long he stays on the floor.
Defensively, he gave the Timberwolves real value even with only one block on the stat sheet. Beringer’s rim protection changed possessions, and the Bucks managed just 3-for-13 shooting from 2-point range while he was out there. That kind of impact echoes what Rudy Gobert has built his reputation on: pressure at the rim without needing a box score full of blocks.
The rough edge was foul trouble. Beringer picked up four fouls, and most of them were avoidable. That limited his minutes, and it’s the part of his game he has to clean up if he wants to keep earning time.
Still, there’s plenty to like for a 19-year-old who is already showing rapid growth. Beringer even put the ball on the floor and drove for a layup, another sign that the game is starting to slow down for him. If this preseason debut is a preview, the Timberwolves may already have a center with real long-term upside.
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Joan Beringer Could Fix A Timberwolves Problem Fans Know Too Well
Joan Beringer enters his second season with a clear opening on the Minnesota Timberwolves roster: the chance to handle the minutes behind Rudy Gobert. For a team that has long had to manage the non-Gobert stretches carefully, that matters. Beringers appeal is straightforward enough for a coaching staff to appreciate. He brings athleticism, a promising defensive profile and enough presence around the basket to give Minnesota a different look at center when the starter sits.
The bigger question is how much of that potential shows up right away. Beringer is still a developing player, but his value could reach beyond simple backup duty if his defense translates the way the Wolves hope and his offense adds some easy finish opportunities at the rim. For a team built on making life difficult for opponents, even modest progress there could make a noticeable difference in the minutes that have too often been a soft spot. [Read more 🡒]
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The encouraging part for Wolves fans is the way Finch has framed Balls preseason work on the defensive end, where Minnesota has been searching for signs that his tools can translate beyond the highlight plays. With his length and awareness already drawing notice alongside Rudy Gobert, there is at least a real opening for Ball to contribute in a way that fits the Wolves identity, even if the full picture of his role is still coming into focus. [Read more 🡒]
Cody Williams Just Gave The Timberwolves A New Reason To Watch Him
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Minnesota is not treating Williams as part of the main rotation yet, and his path to minutes still runs through improvement as an outside shooter. Even so, the early signs suggest he could have value as a complementary piece if the skill package keeps coming together, which is exactly the sort of development the Wolves want to see from a low-cost addition with some pedigree. [Read more 🡒]