NBA rookies enter the league in different stages. Someone like Cooper Flagg, for example, entered the league as a Day 1 starter, averaging nearly 19 points per game this season with 6.3 rebounds and 4.2 assists per game as well. However, there are also players that need time to develop to the next level.

When the Minnesota Timberwolves selected Joan Beringer with the 17th overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, there weren't many expectations for the French prospect, given he was entering a crowded center room with Rudy Gobert and Naz Reid. Regardless, a suspension for Gobert opened the door for Beringer to get some real NBA minutes.

Beringer had already made his NBA debut and scored his first points before Tuesday's contest against the Milwaukee Bucks, but he hadn't been in the legit rotation before. In 30 minutes of action, Beringer logged 13 points, five rebounds, two assists, and a steal en route to a 139-106 blowout victory.

He won't even turn 20 years old till the beginning of next season, but Beringer's performance showed that the Timberwolves might just have their successor to Gobert, in a fellow Frenchman, nonetheless.

After the game, Beringer spoke with reporters about the experience, and how he dealt with the nerves.

"It was great. And we won. Also, so Giannis [Antetokounmpo] is my favorite player, so especially to play against him was a really good experience and I really enjoyed the game," Beringer said.

While Giannis still got 25 points, he did end the game with seven turnovers, as Beringer and the Timberwolves' defense didn't make it easy for him.

"In the beginning of the game, I was so nervous. I just start to play and be myself on the court...," he added.

Before being drafted to the NBA, Beringer played for Slovenian club Cedevita Olimpija during the 2024-25 season, where he averaged 4.5 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks per game in 17 EuroCup games.

On his scouting report, Beringer was viewed as a quick center who could use his athleticism to guard multiple positions and be strong as a shot blocker. Offensively, the expectations were that he'd best be at value in the pick-and-roll and as a lob threat. Therefore, there's no better person to learn from than Gobert.

Given Gobert has a chance to solidify his Hall of Fame resume with a fifth Defensive Player of the Year award this season, nobody is expecting Beringer to reach that level. However, if he can pick up on some skills and techniques from the defensive standout, perhaps he can fill his shoes later down the line in Minnesota.

Now with Gobert back from suspension, Beringer will look to ride this momentum into his next action with the G League and any other opportunities to come before him with the Timberwolves.