Timberwolves Projected to Gamble on Joan Beringer in NBA Mock Draft
Timberwolves Projected to Gamble on Joan Beringer in NBA Mock Draft originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
The Minnesota Timberwolves enter the 2025 NBA Draft searching for the right pieces for their puzzle. After the team nearly reached the NBA Finals the past two postseasons, their priority is to keep building a talented roster around star Anthony Edwards.
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That may start with securing some of the players they currently have, including Naz Reid and Julius Randle. They have player options in their contracts to opt into or out of to test free agency, but the team would prefer to keep them on the roster.
There's also the potential for trades, which are likely to arrive during the NBA Draft. Minnesota holds the No. 17 pick, and could decide to shop that with a few roster members to add another star player with Edwards.
Some fans and analysts may believe drafting or trading for a veteran point guard is a priority due to Mike Conley's age. Others believe that the Wolves should stick with who they have for now, and draft a backup big man for the future.
French draft prospect Joan Beringer dunking the ball during competition.FIBA
One prospect recently linked to Minnesota is French center Joan Beringer. The 18-year-old is listed at 6-foot-11 without shoes and played for Cedevita Olimpija this past season.
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He could be a gamble for any team to draft, due to a small sample size which shows he's still improving his skills on offense. Beringer averaged just 4.7 points and 4.6 rebounds during his international play in Slovenia.
On NBADraft.net, they mention his 7-foot-2 wingspan, and a "blend of size, mobility, and defensive upside" seemingly have him rising up the draft board ahead of the event. However, they also refer to Beringer as the draft's biggest "mystery" due to various teams wondering if he's worth the early risk.
In NBC Sports' new mock draft, they contend that Gobert's primary backup, Reid, isn't the best defender. NBC Sports suggests that Beringer would be the sort of player that the Timberwolves could draft to develop as a backup rim protector.
Beringer hadn't popped up with the Wolves in many NBA mock drafts, and was instead predicted to go to several teams above them. In ESPN's mock draft, NBA Draft analyst Jonathan Givony projects the San Antonio Spurs will select him with the No. 14 pick, while NBADraft suggested he could go at No. 15 to the Thunder.
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If he falls to the Wolves, he seems like a risk worth taking, as he's considered the best shot blocker in the draft. ESPN also mentioned his measurements at 18 are similar to those of current pros Jaren Jackson Jr. and Myles Turner.
If Beringer is not available, there's been a variety of prospects named in mock drafts as the Timberwolves' projected pick at No. 17. They've included Georgetown's Thomas Sorber, UConn's Liam McNeeley, Maryland Derik Queen, and Georgia's Asa Newell.
At the Timberwolves' subreddit, fans continue to debate whether they'd rather see the team select a talented guard, wing, or big man in the draft. There doesn't seem to be much of a consensus, as anything could happen.
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A lot will depend on how things shake out after the first three picks, and whether or not there are trades down the line. Minnesota will certainly have some intriguing options, should they keep their pick on Wednesday night.
Related: Anthony Edwards is Among Jeremiah Fears' Most Anticipated NBA Opponents
Related: NBA Mock Draft Predicts Timberwolves Will Pick UConn's Liam McNeeley
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 25, 2025, where it first appeared.
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