The Minnesota Timberwolves have seen one of the best two-year stretches in franchise history, making the Western Conference Finals in back-to-back seasons.<\/p>\n
Two seasons ago, they routed the then-competitive Phoenix Suns and reigning champion Denver Nuggets en route to the WCF appearance. They ultimately fell short to the Luka Doncic-led Dallas Mavericks, but were happy with their best season in years.<\/p>\n
Last season, they knocked off the Lakers and Warriors, falling in a decisive five games to the now-champion Oklahoma City Thunder in the final four.<\/p>\n
Now, Minnesota is looking to remain competitive for years to come in a surging Western Conference, and their 2025 NBA Draft pick was made with that in mind.<\/p>\n
The Wolves obviously have a competitive roster, led by budding superstar Anthony Edwards, proven scorer Julius Randle, center Rudy Gobert and a good amount of talented role players. The four-time Defensive Player of the Year in Gobert has been an especially vital piece in anchoring the team\u2019s interior.<\/p>\n
Traded for years ago \u2014 much to the dismay of experts and fans alike \u2014 Gobert has helped to create a strong defensive identity for Minnesota, offering shot-blocking and deterring at an all-time rate. While his stats aren’t necessarily flashy overall, he’s been an obviously important piece to the team’s success.<\/p>\n
With the No. 17 pick at the 2025 NBA Draft, the Wolves gambled on international big man Joan Beringer, a lengthy rim-runner and shot-blocker who made his name for Cedevita Olimpija in the ABA last season. While it\u2019s not a one-for-one comparison,\u00a0Beringer could very well have been drafted to learn from and eventually succeed Gobert.<\/p>\n
Joan Beringer’s first half at #NBA2KSummerLeague<\/a>:<\/p>\n \ud83c\udfc0 11 PTS The Timberwolves’ first-round pick is DOMINATING THE PAINT \ud83d\ude24 pic.twitter.com\/v4KmwLcuRV<\/a><\/p>\n
\ud83c\udfc0 4 REB
\ud83c\udfc0 5 BLK <\/p>\n