Joan Beringer Impressed in Timberwolves Preseason Debut
The 19-year-old center showcased his physical tools during Minnesota's 116-97 victory over Milwaukee.
Updated on Oct. 6, 2026 in Basketball
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Nineteen-year-old Joan Beringer made his mark in his first preseason appearance, helping the Minnesota Timberwolves secure a 116-97 win against the Milwaukee Bucks. The young center utilized his 6-foot-11 frame and 7-foot-4.5 wingspan to impact the game on both ends of the floor.
Why it matters
Beringer is competing to secure consistent playing time as a backup center for the Timberwolves this season. His performance in the preseason serves as a critical evaluation period for coaching staff as they finalize their rotation.
Beringer shot 5-of-8 from the field during his 15 minutes of action. He also committed 4 personal fouls while aggressively contesting shots in the paint.
The players
Joan Beringer
The 19-year-old French prospect is a 6-foot-11 center currently competing for a roster spot with the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Minnesota Timberwolves
This Minneapolis-based professional basketball organization competes in the National Basketball Association.
LaMelo Ball
The professional basketball player joined the Timberwolves following a trade that involved Naz Reid departing the team.
Naz Reid
The professional basketball player left the Timberwolves organization as part of a trade acquisition for LaMelo Ball.
The details
Beringer relied on his significant wingspan to clean up the glass and score effectively inside. His defensive aggression resulted in several fouls, a direct byproduct of his active attempts to block shots during the contest.
Timeline
October 5, 2026: Joan Beringer played in the preseason game against Milwaukee.
Season Trajectory
Beringer's emergence follows the recent roster shake-up involving the departure of Naz Reid for LaMelo Ball. His success in earning backup minutes will directly influence the team's depth and defensive structure for the upcoming season.
Beringer's high foul count suggests he may face limitations in minutes if he cannot adjust to professional officiating standards. His ability to maintain efficiency while avoiding foul trouble will be the primary indicator of his utility for the team this year.
The takeaway
Young players often need to balance aggressive defensive instincts with disciplined positioning at the NBA level. Mastering this balance is the key step for Beringer to transition from a preseason prospect to a reliable rotation piece.
Further reading
For more on the team's roster moves and player development, visit the Basketball section.
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Do you support the team's decision to rely on young, unproven players for key positions?
