Are the Timberwolves Banking On Joan Beringer As Their Backup Center?

For the Minnesota Timberwolves, the question at center obviously isn’t about who starts. It’s about what happens when Rudy Gobert checks out.

Gobert has been the foundation of Minnesota’s defense since arriving in 2022. The four-time Defensive Player of the Year is an elite rim protector, rebounder, and defensive presence that changes how teams attack the basket.

But this season, Minnesota will have to figure out what happens during the minutes when Gobert is not on the floor.

That question became more important this offseason after the Wolves traded Naz Reid to Charlotte as part of the deal that brought LaMelo Ball to Minnesota. Reid was more than an offensive weapon off the bench. He was also a legitimate option at center, allowed the team to survive stretches without Gobert on the floor, and was one of the most consistent scorers around Anthony Edwards in the playoffs.

Will they give those crucial minutes with Gobert off the court to two young centers who have barely played in the NBA? Joan Beringer and Rocco Zikarsky have a combined 350 minutes of NBA experience. Beringer has played 314 minutes, while Zikarsky has played just 36. That lack of experience is one of the biggest questions surrounding Minnesota’s roster heading into the season.

Beringer is the more experienced of the two. The 19-year-old 7-foot center played 40 regular-season games last season, averaging 3.9 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 0.7 blocks in only 7.9 minutes per game. He also shot 66.3% from the field. That includes a 24-point, 12-rebound, 7-block game in the team’s regular-season finale.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hBi-0f8ib6U

The numbers don’t tell the entire story because most of those minutes weren’t in the flow of a normal NBA game, and when they were, they were limited. However, his G League numbers are much more encouraging. Beringer averaged 15.3 points, 11.3 rebounds, and 2.4 blocks per game, showing he can produce when given a larger role.

That’s what makes Beringer so interesting for Minnesota. The question isn’t whether he can dominate the G League. It’s whether he can carry some of that production into NBA games when the opposing team has its best players on the floor.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fYSDTeo0v2s

The Wolves don’t expect Beringer to become another Gobert immediately. Nobody is expecting a 19-year-old to immediately replace what one of the best defensive centers of his generation brings to the floor. He’ll need to give Minnesota something they can trust.

If Gobert sits for a few minutes, can Beringer protect the rim? Can he grab some important rebounds? Can he avoid getting into foul trouble?

Beringer’s frequent fouls were the biggest problem in his limited minutes last year. Can the Wolves also play their established style without completely changing their defense?

Those questions will matter more than his scoring average.

Zikarsky is an even bigger unknown. The 7’3” center spent most of last season developing his game in the G League, where he averaged 15.8 points, 9.9 rebounds, and 2.7 blocks per game. He also showed progress during Summer League, averaging 12.2 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 1.8 blocks over five games.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ER43GkfzmZk

However, Zikarsky played only 36 NBA minutes last season. Therefore, a massive gap remains between what he’s done in developmental leagues and what he’s proven in the NBA.

That leaves Minnesota in an interesting spot. The Wolves have one of the league’s most established centers at the top of the depth chart, but almost no proven NBA production behind him.

Gobert’s durability has helped make the situation less concerning. He has played at least 70 games in each of his four seasons with Minnesota. Gobert is now 34 years old. Even if he stays healthy, there will be nights when he needs more rest, gets into foul trouble, or isn’t on the floor for whatever reason. If Rudy ever misses an extended stretch, the Wolves will have to lean heavily on players who have barely played.

The Wolves clearly believe Beringer and Zikarsky are worth developing. Now they have a bigger opportunity to prove why.

Minnesota has also changed its roster identity. The team traded away Reid and Julius Randle while adding players like LaMelo Ball, Jonathan Kuminga, and Trey Lyles. The Wolves are becoming younger and more athletic around Anthony Edwards and Jaden McDaniels.

The Wolves know what they have in Rudy Gobert. Now they need to find out what they have behind him and eventually see if Joan can take the steps to replace Rudy in the future.