The Minnesota Timberwolves took a strategic swing with the 17th overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft by selecting Joan Beringer, the promising Spanish wing who played this past season with Cedevita Olimpija in the Adriatic League. Though not a household name in American basketball circles, Beringer’s combination of size, skill, and international experience made him a coveted prospect among teams looking for a modern two-way player. For Minnesota, this pick signals an interest in long-term development, perimeter versatility, and global scouting that reflects the increasingly international scope of today’s NBA.
Joan Beringer, standing 6-foot-8 with a 7-foot wingspan, offers a unique mix of playmaking, scoring touch, and defensive length. At just 20 years old, he has already logged meaningful professional minutes in one of Europe’s most competitive leagues. During the 2024–25 season with Cedevita Olimpija, Beringer averaged 12.8 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 3.4 assists per game while shooting 37% from beyond the arc. His numbers alone don’t tell the whole story. His court awareness, poise under pressure, and ability to switch defensively across three positions made him a standout in the eyes of scouts from both sides of the Atlantic.
The Timberwolves’ decision to draft Beringer fits with the evolving identity of the franchise. After years of searching for continuity and postseason relevance, Minnesota has finally built a competitive core centered around Anthony Edwards and Karl-Anthony Towns, supported by defensive linchpins like Jaden McDaniels and Rudy Gobert. But with Gobert entering the later stages of his career and Towns often the subject of trade rumors, the team has remained proactive in searching for versatile, high-upside players who can grow into meaningful roles. Beringer, with his blend of shooting, defense, and secondary playmaking, checks many of the boxes Minnesota needs to fill as it looks toward the next phase of its development.
One of the most compelling aspects of Beringer’s game is his feel for basketball. He plays with a maturity that belies his age, often making the right pass, rotating instinctively on defense, and exploiting mismatches without forcing his own offense. While not an elite athlete by NBA standards, Beringer compensates with intelligent movement, solid footwork, and anticipation. He’s particularly effective in transition and in half-court sets where motion and spacing allow him to operate as a connector. His high basketball IQ has been shaped by years in the European system, where spacing, ball movement, and defensive discipline are paramount.
For the Timberwolves, who have had their fair share of struggles with shot selection and offensive rhythm in past seasons, adding a player who thrives in structured systems could bring balance to a roster that sometimes leans heavily on isolation and individual brilliance. Beringer won’t need the ball in his hands to be effective, which makes him a seamless fit alongside Edwards, who commands attention as a primary scorer. Beringer’s ability to space the floor, attack closeouts, and make the extra pass will create offensive synergy, while his length and awareness offer additional tools on the defensive end.
Of course, transitioning from Europe to the NBA is never easy. The speed, physicality, and athleticism of the NBA game are unlike anything young players have experienced overseas. Beringer will face challenges in adjusting to quicker defenders, more aggressive closeouts, and the intensity of nightly competition. His handle, while solid, will need to tighten against NBA-level pressure. His frame, still developing, will have to bulk up to withstand the demands of guarding elite wings and navigating screens. These are common developmental hurdles, and Minnesota’s coaching staff will be tasked with gradually introducing him into the system without overloading his responsibilities too early.
The Timberwolves’ current roster construction allows for this kind of measured development. With Edwards leading the charge, Mike Conley offering veteran leadership, and Jaden McDaniels handling primary perimeter defense, Beringer can be brought along as a rotation player rather than being immediately thrust into the spotlight. Minnesota has been relatively successful with international players in the past, and their player development team has shown patience and effectiveness in helping young talents adjust to the league. Beringer’s skill set suggests he could make an impact in spurts during his rookie season, particularly in spot-up situations or in defensive switch-heavy lineups.
Another angle to this pick is the NBA’s increasing investment in global talent. The 2025 Draft saw an influx of international prospects selected in the first round, and Joan Beringer was among the most polished. His selection marks another step in the league’s evolution, where the divide between NCAA and international paths to the NBA continues to shrink. For Beringer himself, the opportunity to represent Spain on the NBA stage is significant. Spanish basketball has long been respected for its tactical sophistication and has produced legends like Pau Gasol, Marc Gasol, Ricky Rubio, and Sergio Llull. Beringer’s emergence could represent the next chapter in that lineage — a player molded in the Spanish developmental system but ready to make his mark in the American game.
Minnesota’s fan base, often skeptical of international selections due to a few notable misses in the past, will be watching Beringer closely. The franchise has historically struggled with draft consistency, swinging and missing on several lottery picks over the years. However, recent drafts have been more promising, and the front office appears to have shifted its focus toward players who fit into a broader team concept rather than merely chasing star potential. Beringer embodies that philosophy. He may not become a 25-point scorer or a flashy highlight reel machine, but he has the traits of a winning player — someone who elevates teammates, maintains defensive discipline, and delivers in the clutch through smart decisions.
His personality also seems to be a fit for the Twin Cities. Described by former coaches and teammates as humble, hardworking, and fiercely competitive, Beringer brings a grounded mentality that should resonate well with Minnesota’s culture. He is fluent in English, which will help with locker room communication, and his previous experience playing in Slovenia and Spain has taught him how to adapt to different systems and expectations. Beringer is known to be a film junkie, often staying late after practices to study tape and learn tendencies — a trait that NBA coaches deeply appreciate.
In the bigger picture, the selection of Joan Beringer symbolizes Minnesota’s belief in building a sustainable team identity, one that prioritizes flexibility, switchability, and intelligent play. With the Western Conference becoming increasingly competitive, the Timberwolves must prepare for a future where young, well-rounded wings are more valuable than ever. Beringer may never be the number-one option on offense, but he can become a key piece in the puzzle — a player capable of defending multiple positions, spacing the floor, and contributing to a winning culture.
There’s also the marketing angle to consider. The NBA continues to expand its global footprint, and a successful Spanish player in Minnesota would open doors to new fanbases, broadcast partnerships, and merchandise opportunities. While those factors don’t dictate draft picks, they certainly add value when a player can become both a contributor on the court and a bridge to international markets. Beringer is already followed closely in Spain, and his NBA journey will be watched by a passionate basketball community eager to see one of their own thrive at the highest level.
As Summer League approaches, Beringer will have the opportunity to introduce himself to American fans. It’s unlikely he’ll dominate the box score, but his impact may show in the subtler moments — a well-timed pass, a strong closeout, a smart rotation. These are the plays that win games, the plays that often go unnoticed until they’re no longer there. And if Beringer can string together those moments consistently, his value will quickly become apparent.
The NBA is evolving into a league where versatility, intelligence, and adaptability are just as prized as athleticism and raw talent. Joan Beringer fits that mold, and the Minnesota Timberwolves believe he’s the kind of player who can thrive in the modern game. Whether he becomes a starter, a sixth man, or a glue guy remains to be seen, but the tools are there. The opportunity is real. And for Joan Beringer, the journey begins now — in the cold winters of Minnesota, under the bright lights of the NBA, with a chance to prove that the Timberwolves’ belief in his game was not misplaced.
