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Rookie Steps Up: Berginer's First NBA Start
23 Feb
Summary
- Joan Berginer makes first career start for Timberwolves due to injuries and suspension.
- Rudy Gobert is out serving a one-game suspension, Naz Reid injured.
- Berginer, a 2025 first-round pick, aims to develop his potential.
Rookie center Joan Berginer is slated to make his first career start for the Minnesota Timberwolves on Sunday night. This significant opportunity comes as the team faces depleted frontcourt depth due to Rudy Gobert serving a one-game suspension for accumulating flagrant foul points. Additionally, Naz Reid is sidelined with shoulder soreness.
Berginer, the Timberwolves' 17th overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, has averaged 3.0 points and 1.9 rebounds in 28 games this season. His playing time and production have gradually increased, highlighted by a career-high 13 points and 5 rebounds against the Bucks on January 13th. The team anticipates Gobert's return on Tuesday and does not expect Reid's injury to be serious.
At 19 years old and standing 6-foot-11, Berginer possesses considerable potential. Sunday's start represents a crucial step in his development as the Timberwolves gear up for their postseason push.
