Rudy Gobert Reacts to Timberwolves Drafting His Potential Replacement Joan Beringer
Rudy Gobert Reacts to Timberwolves Drafting His Potential Replacement Joan Beringer originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
The Minnesota Timberwolves' selection of Joan Beringer could be a harbinger for what's ahead for Rudy Gobert.
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Selected with the 17th overall pick the day before Gobert's 34th birthday, Beringer, an 18-year-old Frenchman, could be the heir apparent to Gobert's place at the heart of the Timberwolves defense.
Beringer has a unique blend of size, mobility and has great hands for picking up the game of basketball just four years ago. However, his inexperience and raw talent have made him one of the draft's biggest mysteries.
Gobert, who turns 34 on June 26, signed a three-year $110 million extension last year that will keep him under contract through the 2027-28 season. He'll be 36 years old in the final year of that deal.
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While Beringer could be the reason the Timberwolves move on from Gobert one day, he'll play understudy to the four-time Defensive Player of the Year for now.
Meanwhile, the elder Frenchman took to X after the Wolves selected Beringer on June 25.
Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert (27)Bruce Kluckhohn-Imagn Images
Just minutes after Beringer's selection, Gobert posted a series of emojis along prayer hands (or high-fives) and a wolf.
Facing questions about Naz Reid, who has a player option in his contract this summer, the Timberwolves gained some security at backup center.
In NBC Sports' final mock draft, the outlet argued that Reid's shortcomings on defense could be reason for Beringer to begin seeing playing time as a developmental rim protector.
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Overall, the selection of Beringer will not see its final valuation until years down the line, considering his young age.
Related: Timberwolves Fans React to Joan Beringer as No. 17 Pick in NBA Draft
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 26, 2025, where it first appeared.
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