Joan Beringer's rookie season has been as much about learning as it has been about on-court production. The 18-year-old French center, selected 17th overall in the 2025 NBA Draft, has averaged 2.0 points, 1.3 rebounds, and 0.2 blocks in 4.1 minutes per game while shooting above 70 percent from the field. His minutes have been brief, but the Minnesota Timberwolves view his development as a long-term investment built around habits, discipline, and feel. Beringer arrived in the league with a nontraditional developmental path for a first-round pick. He did not log multiple seasons of senior-level European experience or NCAA competition. Instead, he rose through French youth clubs — first Saint-Joseph Strasbourg, then the SIG Strasbourg academy system at the U18 and Espoirs levels — before making one professional stop: a single season with Cedevita Olimpija in Slovenia, where he split time between the senior team in the Adriatic League and EuroCup and the club's junior/reserve affiliates. Minnesota's staff believes that limited professional mileage, combined with elite physical tools, gives them a clean slate to mold. Before the season began, Timberwolves head coach Chris Finch said Beringer arrived with the most important trait a raw prospect can bring. 'He has come in and attacked it; he only knows one way to play, which is great,' Finch said. 'He has no bad NBA habits. He's as pure as they come when it comes to that. Which is great because we can now teach him exactly what we want to teach him. He's surrounded by incredible pros on this team. I think that's certainly going to help him. What he has is an unbelievable feel, and he's just not afraid of the moment or environment.' Beringer said the biggest early adjustments of his rookie season haven't just involved learning plays or terminology, but understanding the daily discipline required to succeed in the NBA. Building a consistent routine, handling the physical demands of practices and travel, and approaching each day with purpose have become core focuses. He credits Minnesota's veterans — Rudy Gobert, Naz Reid, Mike Conley, and Joe Ingles — for showing him what it means to carry himself like a professional on and off the floor. 'Probably my routine,' Beringer told RG.org. 'My routine, and also how I work and the way to be a real pro.' He said the support from teammates has been constant, and he's grateful for the opportunity to learn from them. 'I'm just trying to be good in my role, whether it's five, six, or seven minutes a night,' Beringer said. 'I want to be sharp, simple, and reliable. Defense is my priority, being active, communicating, and providing energy.' Beringer's development is a long-term investment for the Timberwolves, and he's taking it one day at a time. 'I'm just trying to stay focused and keep working,' he said. 'I know I have a lot to learn, but I'm excited for the opportunity to grow and improve.'