Minnesota Timberwolves select Joan Beringer in 2025 NBA Draft

The professional basketball dream has come true for Joan Beringer. With the No. 17 overall pick in the first round of the 2025 NBA Draft, the French star center was selected by the Minnesota Timberwolves.

The Sélestat, France native has been primed for the NBA over the past couple of years. While he didn’t make a name for himself during the NCAA Tournament or through playing college basketball in America, make no mistake, Beringer is one of the top prospects available in the 2025 NBA Draft.

At 18-years old, Beringer will be expected to continue to grow and elevate into one of the top players in the NBA. After showcasing his skillset during his time overseas, there’s no reason to think he can’t achieve that goal.

Time will tell what his ceiling is. Regardless, Joan will have a chance to not just be a good NBA player, but a great one, as he moves to the next level in this journey.

What NBA Draft experts are saying about Joan Beringer

Meanwhile, On3’s resident NBA Draft analyst James Fletcher III took a hard look at Noa Essengue. He’s enthusiastic about his potential, ranking him as a strong No. 25 on his big board.

“The draft stock of Joan Beringer has climbed throughout the season, as more scouts view his strengths on display,” Fletcher III wrote. “He ranks among the top projects among prospects this year, with plenty to look forward to if he can maximize the flashes and grow. Right now, there are limited stats in the standard box score outside of blocks, but promising signs in the analytic data – like his 124.9 offensive rating and 103.5 defensive rating.

“Taking on a greater role will become the focus for Beringer in NBA Draft preparation, looking to show he can take on more than his 11.9 usage percentage in more than 50 games. At 6-foot-10, he is no threat to shoot from beyond the arc, which will also artificially limit his fit with some teams across the league.”

Fletcher III is far from the only one grinning at the idea of seeing Essengue in the NBA. RotoWire.com made projections for many of the top prospects, likening him to other high-upside prospects.

“Beringer’s skillset is a blend of Jaxson Hayes’ and Larry Nance’s, as he will likely score most of his points at the next level as an athletic rim-runner,” Rotowire.com wrote. “He is most comfortable in the pick-and-roll as a lob threat or passer in the short roll. While Beringer may need to fill out his frame to be a full-time center, his quick feet and athleticism allow him to guard multiple positions on the defensive end.”