When the Minnesota Timberwolves drafted Joan Beirnger with the 17th overall pick in June, it was clear that this was a long-term vision. At the time, he was 18 and had just started playing basketball in 2021. Nevertheless, Beringer's upside was undeniable, and he quickly showed off his potential in the NBA Summer League as a mobile rim protector.
The vision with Beringer is clearly for him to be Rudy Gobert's ultimate successor. Right now, they desperately need a backup center and have struggled mightily on defense with Gobert on the bench. Notably, the Wolves' defense is 16 points per 100 possessions better with Gobert on the court.