Timberwolves first-round pick Joan Beringer has been an early star of the NBA's Las Vegas Summer League, after he compiled 11 points, eight rebounds, and six blocks in his debut on Thursday against the Pelicans. The Wolves reportedly had their sights set on Beringer long before their 17th overall pick.

Three of the top 17 picks in the 2025 NBA draft made their NBA Summer League debuts on Thursday to kick off the slate of games in Las Vegas.

The Minnesota Timberwolves have finished playing their first 2025 NBA Summer League game against the New Orleans Pelicans on Thursday. Minnesota won the game 98-91, as rookie big man Joan Beringer proved he is one of the most promising rookies in the entire league.

Joan Beringer helped Cedevita Olimpija win the Slovenian Basketball Cup last season, averaging 5.1 points, 4.7 rebounds and 1.4 blocks.

The Wolves selected the 6-foot-11, 230-pound center with the No. 17 overall pick last month, making him the first French native selected by the organization. He is, however, the second big man from France on Minnesota's current roster. The Sélestat native was born about 260 miles southeast of where All-Star center Rudy Gobert grew up.