The Minnesota Timberwolves Draft Unique French Center with the 17th Pick

The Timberwolves get more size in this draft with their 17th overall pick, Joan Beringer from France. Beringer is another first-round selection from France over the last couple of years, which includes centers like Victor Wembanyama and Alex Sarr. Beringer is an interesting choice for the Wolves, as Asa Newell was still on the board at this pick, so the fact they went with the French guy is interesting to me in that aspect. Rudy Gobert is going to serve as a good mentor for the younger French center. Here are Beringer’s numbers overseas and the potential fit with the Timberwolves. 

Joan Beringer’s Resume and Fit with Minnesota 

Beringer’s best stat in the Eurocup in 17 games was 1.2 blocks per game, as the French Center was more of a rotational piece. He won the Slovenian league title last season, so he is bringing some championship experience to the Timberwolves. Like I mentioned in the intro, Rudy Gobert is going to be a great mentor for his younger, more athletic counterpart, as Beringer is an explosive athlete for his size.

The Timberwolves needed a more athletic center to help guard the perimeter if they go into drop coverage, and Beringer is going to be the guy that will fit that mold for the T-Wolves going forward, especially if they can’t get Naz Reid signed. 

Final Thoughts

This is an interesting selection by the Timberwolves with the 17th pick, as the French connection with Gobert is probably the strongest aspect of the pick. Look for this guy to be a huge development project for years to come for the T-Wolves as they look for the multiple-time defensive player of the year to be a mentor to him going forward. Total Apex Sports has plenty of NBA Draft Coverage all over the site, and will have some more coming in the next couple of days.