Brad Penner-Imagn Images

Timberwolves' Joan Beringer Makes History in NBA Summer League Debut

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Trevor Squire | Last updated Jul 10, 2025 8:26 PM ET

The Minnesota Timberwolves had high hopes when they selected Joan Beringer 17th overall in the 2025 NBA Draft -- and boy, did the 18-year-old Frenchman deliver.

Although the 6-foot-11 center just started playing basketball four years ago, Beringer did not look out of his element against a higher level of NBA-level competition.

In a 98-91 win over the New Orleans Pelicans to open NBA Summer League, Beringer justified his draft status with a performance that left head coach Chris Finch showering praises, calling Beringer "fearless" and possessing "impeccable timing" in an interview with ESPN2.

Beringer posted 11 points, eight rebounds and seven blocks in the win on July 10, which tied an NBA record for the most blocks in a Summer League game.

His fearlessness and instinct were on full display in the game as Beringer bullied Pelicans players around the basket.

Not much more you could’ve wanted Joan Beringer to show in his summer league debut:

11 points, 8 rebounds, 7 blocks
pic.twitter.com/34aJQQti5s
— Teg (@IQfor3) July 10, 2025

Beringer played a key role in the Timberwolves turning over New Orleans 25 times in the game.

Terrence Shannon Jr. led the Wolves with 20 points, nine assists and seven rebounds, while Leonard Miller also had 20 points to go with nine rebounds and three blocked shots.

Rob Dillingham added 15 points on 4 for 14 shooting and tallied six assists and seven turnovers.

The Timberwolves’ Summer League team faces the Denver Nuggets at 10 p.m. ET on Saturday in Las Vegas.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: