It has now been five straight games that rookie center Joan Beringer has received playing time for the Minnesota Timberwolves. That’s only the second time all season. One big difference, however, is that Beringer entered this current phase long before the outcome of the game was no longer in doubt.
In two of those recent five games, Beringer has played nearly 53 minutes of combined time. With the other three? Just under 15 minutes in total. It’s pretty clear that with the Timberwolves’ entire frontcourt intact, the 19-year-old will have a fairly short stay on the field.
He plays, but barely
Before Thursday’s loss to the Chicago Bulls, Julius Randle was listed as questionable due to soreness in his left foot. He ended up playing, though, and that gave Minnesota a fully available roster minus Terrence Shannon Jr., who has been out since Christmas Day.
With Randle (as well as Rudy Gobert and Naz Reid) stepping up against Chicago, Beringer was able to play, but barely. He checked in with 3:06 left in the opening quarter and stayed in for the remainder of the period. Once the second quarter started, he left the field, where Beringer would remain for the rest of the game.
On January 6, against the Houston Rockets, with all three key frontcourt players available, Beringer was given short stints of approximately three minutes in both the first and third stanzas. During the game against the Utah Jazz on January 20, the 17th overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft was about five minutes into the second quarter and 18 seconds into the third. You guessed it, Gobert, Reid and Randle all played in that game too.
Against the Milwaukee Bucks on January 13, Rudy Gobert was out for a one-game suspension for flagrant foul points accumulated. On January 17, against the San Antonio Spurs, not only was Gobert out again (this time with an injury) but Naz Reid left with shoulder soreness about five minutes into the game.
In the two appearances, Beringer saw approximately 53 minutes of action and totaled 23 points, 13 rebounds (nine offensive), five assists and two blocks. While he impressed in these two games, it wasn’t enough for him to earn a role in a fully healthy frontcourt.
The role could eventually revert to staying on the bench
Chris Finch seemed to make it clear lately that Beringer has at least earned the opportunity to play. However, that playing time will be minimal unless one (or more) of Gobert, Reid and Randle are unable to play.
However, those three have rarely missed a beat. The recent two games Gobert has missed are the only two he has missed all year. Both Reid and Randle have missed one appearance all season.
If those three stay healthy, I wouldn’t be surprised if Beringer’s meaningful minutes in a game eventually go from single digits to zero. I don’t think this is something the fanbase wants to see either.
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