The Timberwolves Struck Gold With Joan Beringer…

The Timberwolves Struck Gold With Joan Beringer…

A lot of people rolled their eyes when the Minnesota Timberwolves drafted two centers to a team that already has Rudy Gobear, Nas Reed, and small ball five Julius Randall, especially considering both were foreign players that were considered pretty raw as prospects. However, firstrounder Yoan Baron J shut up the doubters in his summer league debut on Thursday. He finished his first game with 11 points, eight rebounds, and seven blocks on 83% shooting from the field. He was utterly dominant and looked very comfortable for his first showing. He didn’t put up 30 points or anything, but clearly changed the game with his shot blocking and rebounding in a seven-point win. Standing at 6’11 with a 7’4 wingspan, Baron J is a lengthy presence. And when you pair that with smart reads and timing, you have an elite shot blocker. He’s only 18 years old and according to reports didn’t start playing basketball until after the co pandemic in 2021. That’s just crazy to hear. And it shows that this is just the beginning. He’s very inexperienced and making a heavy impact regardless. This is the worst we’ll ever see him and that’s scary. He was drawing comparisons to other lengthy shot blockers like Victor Ramenyama and Kel Wear after the game. And honestly, I can see it. He’s a fluid mover and does not have any problem arriving in help despite his size. I saw some reaction saying that the team already had their replacement for Rudy Gobear. And while I don’t think we’re at that point right now, it looks like a promising long-term replacement. The Wolves struck gold with Yoan Baron Jay. Now, let’s take a deeper look. Before we get more into the Timberwolves Young Star Center, if you enjoy my content and watch a few videos of mine, think about subscribing. 96% of my viewers are actually not subscribed. So, if you watched me before and enjoy the content, drop a sub and comment down below. It really helps the channel. It took just one possession for Timberwolves rookie Yoan Baron Jay to electrify the fan base. The 17th overall pick in this year’s draft, a player Minnesota sees as more of a long-term project, made an immediate impact in his summer league debut, a 98 to 91 win over the Pelicans. Baron Jay came out swatting shots with authority, blocking two on the very first possession and finishing with seven total, tying a summer league record. The French big man also chipped in 11 points on five of six shooting and grabbed eight rebounds. putting together an eye-catching debut that had his teammates and coaches raving. “I don’t even have to explain it. You all see it,” said guard Rob Dillingham. “He’s been like that since day one. Plays hard, runs the floor, takes coaching, fits in with everybody. He’s going to be special.” While summer league success doesn’t always carry over to the regular season, Baron’s elite athleticism and defensive instincts were on full display. Despite only taking basketball seriously since 2021, he showed flashes of how he could impact an NBA game with his speed, timing, and motor. I’m always thinking about how I can impact the game. Baron Jay said, “Defense, I think, is my biggest strength.” Though he looks up to fellow Frenchman Rudy Goar, Baron’s style is distinct. A former soccer player, he possesses rare quickness for a big man, allowing him to cover ground in the paint and recover from help situations to still challenge shots. Something he did repeatedly on Thursday. “He’s got great timing, always has his hands ready,” said Wolfe summer league coach Kevin Hansen. “You could see it right away, both ends of the floor. his ability to catch lobs, his hands, his instincts, it was impressive, especially going up against a starting center like Eves Mei. Baron Jay only recently picked up English after spending last season playing in Slovenia. And Wolves assistant coach Kevin Hansen said the team is making a concerted effort to ensure he’s fully in sync with the group. So far, communication hasn’t been an issue. Practices in the first game have gone smoothly. Hansen noted that the key is just speaking a bit more slowly. He understands pretty much everything. He said one of Hansen’s priorities in the coming days is building Baron Jay’s pick and roll chemistry with Rob Dillingham. With his ability as a lob threat, establishing that connection could become a valuable weapon for the Wolves offense as soon as next season. But one thing was clear from his first summer league game. The Wolves struck gold with Yoan Baron Jay. Thanks for watching. I’m Herm. Have a good one. [Music]

A lot of people questioned the Timberwolves’ decision to draft two centers in this year’s NBA Draft — especially on a roster that already includes Rudy Gobert, Naz Reid, and Julius Randle. But in his Summer League debut, 18-year-old Joan Beringer proved exactly why Minnesota took a chance on him.

The 6’11 French big man made an instant impact, racking up 11 points, 8 rebounds, and 7 blocks on 83% shooting — tying a Summer League record in his very first game. His elite timing, wingspan, and fluid movement left fans buzzing and had teammates like Rob Dillingham calling him “special.”

Beringer only started playing basketball after the COVID pandemic and spent last season in Slovenia, but you’d never guess that based on his poise and dominance. His defensive instincts are already ahead of schedule, and the comparisons to Victor Wembanyama and Kel’el Ware don’t feel far-fetched.

Could Beringer be Minnesota’s long-term Gobert replacement? It’s too early to say for sure — but the upside is real, and this debut might just be the beginning of something special.

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