NBA – New Wolves player, Frenchman Joan Beringer cashes in on Rudy Gobert: “A guy who…”

Par Pierre-Andréa Fraile | Journaliste sportif

Expatriate in Slovenia for the past few months, Joan Beringer has caught the eye of NBA scouts there, and in particular those of the Timberwolves. He joined the franchise with the 17th pick in the draft, where he will be reunited with a certain Rudy Gobert.

Of all the young French talents in this year’s draft, he’s probably the most unusual. And yet, he was the second French prospect to be called up to the Barclays Center dais by Adam Silver. Drafted in 17th position, Joan Beringer has made a remarkable entry into the NBA, after having distinguished himself this season in the ranks of Slovenia’s KK Cedevita Olimpija.

Invited to give his first impressions at a press conference, the 18-year-old inside player said he was still struggling to come to terms with his fabulous destiny. Maxime Aubin of L’Équipe reports:

Joan Beringer: “Frankly, I don’t realize it at all. I’m talking to you now, but I’m still a bit in shock. I’m very grateful. I thank God.”

Joan Beringer ready to work with fellow countryman Rudy Gobert

Stunned by his arrival in the NBA, Beringer could easily justify the sentiment. After all, he only took up basketball in 2021, on the simple advice of a friend. Now, four years later, he’s in the highest echelon of the basketball world, about to take on the game’s biggest stars. Don’t think he’ll be intimidated, however, as he has no intention of making a name for himself with the Wolves:

Joan Beringer: “I really see myself doing something. Firstly, to help the team with my basketball and my mentality. And on a personal level, to be able to progress in all aspects of the game, but also on a human level. That’s important.”

With this in mind, he should be able to rely on the advice of Rudy Gobert, with whom he quickly had the opportunity to speak, according to him:

Joan Beringer: “He just FaceTimed me, straight after my selection. We talked a bit and I can’t wait to learn from him (…) He’s a guy who’s achieved great things in his career and I’m going to be lucky enough to be able to train with him every day. I can’t wait for us to start working together.”

Judging by the reaction offered by his elder and new teammate on X, this enthusiasm and impatience seem to be shared:

🇫🇷🙏🏽🐺

— Rudy Gobert (@rudygobert27) June 26, 2025