Rookie Joan Beringer will begin his career in the NBA with the Minnesota Timberwolves with a new jersey number after opting to change from the one he used in Europe.
Beringer wore No. 20 both with Cedevita Olimpija in Slovenia last season and with Espoirs Strasbourg in France during the two prior years. He previously donned No. 18 while representing France at the 2024 FIBA U18 EuroBasket.
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Though No. 20 isn’t currently occupied on the Timberwolves, Beringer opted to switch to play with No. 19 next season. He revealed after joining the team that there isn’t necessarily any significant meaning behind his new number.
Beringer helped Cedevita Olimpija win the Slovenian Basketball Cup last season, averaging 5.1 points, 4.7 rebounds and 1.4 blocks on 64.4% shooting from the field. He scored in double figures 11 times, including a season-high 14 points and 10 rebounds on May 27.
The 17th pick made four appearances with the Timberwolves in the NBA Summer League, averaging 6.8 points, 6.5 rebounds, 2.5 blocks and 1.5 assists on 52.6% shooting from the field. He debuted with 11 points, eight rebounds and six blocks on July 10.
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Beringer will be the latest player to make the jump from Europe to the NBA. The organization was excited to add him through the draft and is eager to see him take the court next season.
Note:Â Throughout August, Rookie Wire is looking at every first-round pick and why each player selected their respective jersey number as they make the jump to the NBA.
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This article originally appeared on Rookie Wire: Timberwolves news: Joan Beringer to wear new jersey number in NBA