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USA Today
15 hours ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Timberwolves' Joan Beringer reveals reasoning behind new jersey number
Rookie Joan Beringer will begin his career in the NBA with the Minnesota Timberwolves with a new jersey number after opting to change from the one he used in Europe. Beringer wore No. 20 both with Cedevita Olimpija in Slovenia last season and with Espoirs Strasbourg in France during the two prior years. He previously donned No. 18 while representing France at the 2024 FIBA U18 EuroBasket. Though No. 20 isn't currently occupied on the Timberwolves, Beringer opted to switch to play with No. 19 next season. He revealed after joining the team that there isn't necessarily any significant meaning behind his new number. Beringer helped Cedevita Olimpija win the Slovenian Basketball Cup last season, averaging 5.1 points, 4.7 rebounds and 1.4 blocks on 64.4% shooting from the field. He scored in double figures 11 times, including a season-high 14 points and 10 rebounds on May 27. The 17th pick made four appearances with the Timberwolves in the NBA Summer League, averaging 6.8 points, 6.5 rebounds, 2.5 blocks and 1.5 assists on 52.6% shooting from the field. He debuted with 11 points, eight rebounds and six blocks on July 10. Beringer will be the latest player to make the jump from Europe to the NBA. The organization was excited to add him through the draft and is eager to see him take the court next season. Note: Throughout August, Rookie Wire is looking at every first-round pick and why each player selected their respective jersey number as they make the jump to the NBA. Previous: Cooper Flagg | Dylan Harper | VJ Edgecombe | Kon Knueppel | Ace Bailey | Tre Johnson | Jeremiah Fears | Egor Dёmin | Collin Murray-Boyles | Khaman Maluach | Cedric Coward | Noa Essengue | Derik Queen | Carter Bryant | Thomas Sorber | Yang Hansen
USA Today
11-07-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Timberwolves' Chris Finch on Joan Beringer: 'It was very exciting for us to get him'
Joan Beringer turned in a tremendous debut in the NBA Summer League with the Minnesota Timberwolves, and the 17th pick earned praise from coach Chris Finch during the contest. Beringer produced 11 points, eight rebounds, six blocked shots, two steals and one assist in a 98-91 win over the New Orleans Pelicans in Las Vegas, Nevada. He went 5-of-6 from the field and was a plus-eight in 23 minutes on the court. The Frenchman made his presence felt immediately on the defensive end of the court, blocking two shots on the opening possession of the game and accumulating five by halftime. He initially had seven total swats, but one was removed from the final box score. "He has impeccable timing," Finch said of Beringer on ESPN. "He is very active but doesn't waste any motion. He has got great feel even though he is incredibly raw still. All credit to (team president) Tim Connelly and his staff, they kind of locked into him at one point in the draft process, and that was the guy. It was very exciting for us to be able to get him." Beringer helped Cedevita Olimpija win the Slovenian Basketball Cup last season, averaging 5.1 points, 4.7 rebounds and 1.4 blocks on 64.4% shooting from the field. He scored in double figures 11 times, including a season-high 14 points and 10 rebounds on May 27. The 6-foot-11 standout was highly touted entering the draft because of his versatility, athleticism and rim protection. He ranked second in the Adriatic League in blocked shots, thanks to his timing, instincts and 7-foot, 4 1/2-inch wingspan. Beringer showcased those traits at a high level on Thursday and emerged as the top rookie on the court in the opening game at the Thomas & Mack Center. The team was pleased with his effort and is eager to watch him take the court again on Saturday (10 p.m. EDT, NBA TV). "He fits our young core," Finch said. "We need more speed and a little bit more activity as we try to stay young as best as we can, but he is fearless. He almost doesn't know what he doesn't know, and that is a good thing right now."
USA Today
07-07-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
No. 17 pick Joan Beringer inks rookie-scale contract with Timberwolves
French center Joan Beringer, the 17th pick in the 2025 NBA draft, signed his rookie-scale contract with the Minnesota Timberwolves on Monday, the team announced. Beringer helped Cedevita Olimpija win the Slovenian Basketball Cup last season, averaging 5.1 points, 4.7 rebounds and 1.4 blocks on 64.4% shooting from the field. He scored in double figures 11 times, including a season-high 14 points and 10 rebounds on May 27. He will make $4,201,080 next season, according to Spotrac. The 6-foot-11 standout was highly touted entering the draft because of his versatility, athleticism and rim protection. He ranked second in the Adriatic League in blocked shots, thanks to his timing, instincts and 7-foot, 4 1/2-inch wingspan. Before signing with Cedevita Olimpija, Beringer played for the Strasbourg Saint Joseph-Basket U17 team and the U18 and U21 teams for SIG Strasbourg. He is the first player from France to be drafted by the Timberwolves and the third overall selected with the 17th pick. The 18-year-old has also represented France internationally at the 2024 FIBA U18 EuroBasket. He averaged 9.1 points, 5.3 rebounds, 1.1 blocks and one assist on 70.5% shooting from the field in seven games, helping France to a fifth-place finish in Finland. Beringer will participate with the Timberwolves in the NBA Summer League, beginning Thursday against the New Orleans Pelicans (3:30 p.m. EDT, ESPN2).
USA Today
30-06-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Timberwolves' Joan Beringer reveals key to becoming the 17th pick
Joan Beringer was one of the top international prospects in the 2025 NBA draft, and the Frenchman believes it was his work ethic that enabled him to be selected as the 17th pick by the Minnesota Timberwolves. Beringer helped Cedevita Olimpija win the Slovenian Basketball Cup last season, averaging 5.1 points, 4.7 rebounds and 1.4 blocks on 64.4% shooting from the field. The Frenchman scored in double figures 11 times, including a season-high 14 points and 10 rebounds on May 27. The 6-foot-11 center was highly touted entering the draft because of his versatility, athleticism and rim protection. He ranked second in the Adriatic League in blocked shots, thanks to his 7-foot, 4 1/2-inch wingspan. He credits his mindset for separating himself from his peers. "I think it's the atmosphere, with my family and friends," Beringer said on Monday. "Also just every day to be hungry. To come to practice to be ready, if I can say, to cook you up. Just to put in the energy every day, I think, is the most important thing." Beringer, along with 45th pick Rocco Zikarsky, arrived in Minneapolis over the weekend and watched the Minnesota Lynx host the Connecticut Sun on Sunday. He is eager to get to work with the team, with his first opportunity coming in the NBA Summer League on July 10. Before signing with Cedevita Olimpija, the 18-year-old played for the Strasbourg Saint Joseph-Basket U17 team and the U18 and U21 teams for SIG Strasbourg. He also represented France in the 2024 FIBA U18 EuroBasket, averaging 9.1 points, 5.3 rebounds, 1.1 blocks and one assist. Beringer is considered raw offensively, but has the tools to develop into a productive player at the next level. He wants to continue to affect games at a high level on defense, while also showcasing his improving offensive game next season. "For me, it's really important to put the energy into defense and help my team with this," Beringer said. "I work every day on my midrange. I want to have a regular shot, and also to work on my 3 points is really important for me."
