Joan Bellinger lastly made his debut with the Minnesota Timberwolves.
The rookie performed within the group’s first preseason sport towards the Denver Nuggets, the place the Timberwolves received 126-116.
Joan Beringer scored 14 factors and performed 23 minutes whereas grabbing 4 rebounds to indicate his potential.
The Frenchman was chosen as No. 17 total within the 2025 NBA Draft and had already received reward from Anthony Edwards earlier than making his debut.
Nevertheless, the preseason opener delivered his “Welcome to the NBA second” when he struggled with Nuggets Middle Jonas Valanciunas.
After the sport, Bellinger revealed the issue of defending a respectable NBA middle, with Valanciunas scoring six factors instantly towards him.
“He is so sturdy that I could not transfer him,” Bellinger admitted frankly.
Valanciunas confirmed effectiveness within the backup position behind Nikola Jokic, offering the nugget with dependable veteran manufacturing.
The sport gave the 18-year-old rookie a useful lesson on the variations in NBA physicality and energy from faculty competitors.
Regardless of the defensive battle, Bellinger confirmed offensive flashes throughout his match towards Denver.
Past his scores, he confirmed good tempo for the massive man and confirmed an eagerness to make offensive and aggressive strikes.
Timberwolves veteran star Mike Conley was impressed by Bellinger’s efficiency and expressed confidence within the rookie’s future potential as an NBA participant.
Bellinger might not enter the season as a starter, however he has a respectable alternative to turn out to be a significant backup for Rudy Goat.
His offensive talents and willingness to play aggressively may acquire elevated duty because the season progresses.
If Beringer proved his potential via constant efficiency, he was ready to make sure a rise in play time because the Timberwolves wanted frontcourt depth to compete within the extremely aggressive Western Convention.
