2025 NBA Draft Scouting Report for Minnesota Timberwolves No. 17 Pick Joan Beringer
The Minnesota Timberwolves have selected Joan Beringer with the No. 17 pick in the 2025 NBA draft.
Beringer enters the league after a decorated 2024-25 season overseas, winning both the Slovenian League title and Slovenian Cup.
An explosive athlete for his size, Beringer plays with energy, covers ground well and thrives as a finisher. He makes his presence felt without needing the ball, scoring on lobs, putbacks and cuts.
His defensive profile is especially intriguing. He protects the rim, moves well for his size and led the ABA League in blocks this past season.
At the combine, Beringer's wingspan measured 7'4½", which checked in as the seventh-best mark across all participants.
Of course, Beringer remains raw offensively beyond finishes around the basket. He offers little polish with the ball, struggles at the line and doesn’t provide much in terms of feel or decision-making yet.
Beringer projects as a high-motor big who could carve out a role anchoring a second-unit defense. His early impact will depend on how well he adapts to NBA speed and spacing.
Beringer ranks No. 25 on B/R NBA draft expert Jonathan Wasserman’s 2025 Prospect Big Board.
Essential Facts and Stats
Previous Team: Cedevita | Position: C | Height: 6'11" | Weight: Not listed | Age: 18 | Wingspan: 7'4½" | PPG: 4.7 | RPG: 4.6 | APG: 0.2 | BPG: 1.2 | SPG: 0.4 | FG%: 59.7
Realistic Pro Comparison: Clint Capela
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Joan Beringer will earn minutes and money for his rim protection, switchability and tools for finishing.
There are dozens of centers who occupy similar roles with similar tools. But Atlanta Hawks big man Clint Capella is a safe comparison in terms of projecting impact and limitations.
Like Capela, Beringer's ceiling sits below All-Star status, but also like the Hawks center, he can carve out a career as a productive role player—if not starter—for the right team.
Strengths
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Physical Tools/Athleticsm: Beringer moves extremely well vertically and laterally for a near 7-footer. He's the type of athlete and center who can impact a game without making a dribble or on-ball read offensively.
Defensive Upside: As a teeneger, Beringer blocks shots at a strong rate overseas. But it's the flashes of mobility away from the basket that point to a different level of defensive upside.
Finishing: Beringer has been good for multiple dunks every game, regardless of how many minutes he's playing. Teammates just have to lob it up near the basket. He's an easy-bucket machine off dump-downs, rolls and offensive boards.
Weaknesses
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Skill: Beringer shouldn't touch the ball unless it's a catch-and-finish play. He offers minimal offensive skill, even around the post.
Free Throws: He's been under 58.0 percent from the line in consecutive seasons. Teams will foul him to prevent any easy baskets.
Feel for the Game: Beringer will lose the ball or commit a bad foul too easily. He rarely looks composed enough to slow down with the ball and look around to make a pass.
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