Joan Beringer interview on Timberwolves role and France national team goal, Digi Mart USA News: In an interview with BeBasket, French center Joan Beringer reflected on his victory over Houston, in which the Minnesota Timberwolves won 117-107 and he faced Alperen Sengun.
Beringer said he did not play aggressively enough against Sengun, who recorded his 13th career triple-double with 17 points, 12 rebounds and 10 assists. He described the matchup as a good test against a very aggressive team and said he needs to correct that area.
Asked about his expanded role since the departure of Naz Reid, Beringer said he is grateful for the opportunity but believes he has not yet met expectations. He said he must defend his one-on-one matchups better, be more aggressive offensively and be efficient with the limited minutes he receives.
Beringer has more than doubled his playing time, from 8 to 17 minutes per game. He said he always wants more but is giving his maximum effort with the minutes he is given.
Although he still plays mostly at center, Beringer has recently been used at power forward. He said he feels comfortable there, having played the position during the Summer League, and that it opens up more possibilities for him.
Beringer ranks among the NBA leaders in offensive rebounds per possession at 0.095. He credited his consistency and effort, saying offensive rebounding is one of the areas where he can have the greatest impact with limited minutes.
He said his summer was difficult because of several injuries that prevented him from progressing as he wanted, but he feels he is currently doing the right things, including landing carefully when jumping.
Beringer praised teammate Rudy Gobert, a fellow Frenchman who plays the same position, for his work ethic, health habits, nutrition and warm-up routines. He said Gobert gives him advice on how to play against opposing big men, including Sengun, whom Gobert told him to impact physically.
Beringer said Victor Wembanyama’s public praise, after the October 31 Spurs-Timberwolves game that Minnesota lost 121-111, was a compliment he appreciated. He said he and Wembanyama speak only briefly after games.
Beringer said his contract with the Timberwolves was extended this week through 2028 with a team option, and he expressed gratitude for the club’s confidence. He also said playing for the French national team in the future is a short-term goal, and that he would like to play with Gobert there.
Asked how a 19-year-old has adapted to life in the United States, Beringer said he is grateful to be there and is enjoying every moment of the experience.
