The Bulls are in desperate need of a new big man, but given their fast-paced, transition-based offense, they need a specific archetype. French big man—emphasis on the big man part—Joan Beringer would fit the bill.
Chicago played at the second-fastest pace last season and racked up the most possessions of any team in the NBA; somehow they accomplished it with Nikola Vucevic receiving the second-most minutes of anyone on the roster and nearly 1,500 more minutes than any other "center."
Not only did Vucevic offer nothing in transition, he was as useless as ever as a rim protector (rookie Matas Buzelis led the team in blocks). The Bulls need a big man who can swat attempts near the cup but also get out and run with Josh Giddey, Coby White, Buzelis and co.
He's a wildly raw player now, but Beringer has the physical traits to develop into that player.
Joan Beringer 2025 NBA Draft Scouting Report
Players like Beringer are why the term "boom-or-bust" was created. He fits snugly into the two R categories: Raw and Rare.
The 18-year-old is one of the youngest players in the draft and plies his trade for Cedevita Olimpija in the Adriatic Basketball League. During the 2024-25 EuroCup—the most competitive basketball he's played thus far in his career—he averaged 4.5 points, 5.5 rebounds and 1.2 blocks in 17.5 minutes across 17 games. He took 3.1 shots and 1.4 free throws per contest with averages of 60.4 and 50.0 percent, respectively. He never attempted a three.
However, Beringer measured 6-foot-11 barefoot and 235 pounds with a nearly 7-foot-5 wingspan and a 9-foot-3 standing reach at the 2025 adidas Eurocamp Combine and picked up a basketball for the first time less than four years ago. And he moves like this:
It's easy to see the appeal.
Offense
Beringer is about as Raw as it gets offensively. He doesn't do a whole lot more than catch lobs and score near the rim at this point. His Gumby arms and athleticism allow him to get off the floor and catch just about anything anyone can throw in his direction, but he lacks most basic offensive skills.
In the halfcourt he's best as a roll man, but he's not the strongest screen setter; he tries to use positioning more than standing strong in the way of a defender. He's also quick to roll to the rim and doesn't always completely free his teammate coming off the screen.
Whatever Beringer lacks in skill, though, he makes up for with those physical gifts and a high motor. More often than not, that means getting out and sprinting down the floor in transition, where he's often first to the rim. That aspect of his game, along with his length and ability to get up and finish, is exceedingly Rare. And quite drool-worthy.
Defense
Beringer's Raw skill level doesn't matter as much on defense because of his Rare tools. His ridiculous wingspan coupled with his ability to run and jump like a wing immediately makes him a shot-blocking threat. He could step onto an NBA floor next year and be at least a rim-deterrant on day one.
He can hedge and recover or switch screens with his fluid side-to-side movement. He could play in a drop scheme as well. He's a versatile, high-effort defender with Rare measurements. All 30 teams in the league would be willing to work with that.
Joan Beringer's fit with the Chicago Bulls
Beringer has the physical skill set the Bulls need. He can block shots on one end, or at least prevent easy looks at the rim for now, and run the floor in transition in an incredibly unique way. If he even comes close to reaching his full potential, he'll be one of the most special players in the NBA.
It's important to reiterate that he started playing basketball in September of 2021 and has lots, lots and lots of room to grow.
Beringer's tape, Rare physical gifts and Raw skill level invoke a lofty (and probably 99.9 percent unreachable) comparison of Giannis Antetokounmpo. The two-time MVP was long, fluid and explosive when he came into the league, but he was a twig who had little skill and little body control. What he had was a Rare work ethic.
That's what makes Beringer so intriguing. Does he develop into a star like Giannis (again, not Giannis but like Giannis) or is he Jericho Sims 2.0?
The Bulls are stuck in purgatory and won't be leaving anytime soon unless they land a superstar somehow, most likely through the draft. Beringer could be one if the franchise that picks him is patient. That's not been Chicago's modus operandi under its current regime, but there's always a chance. We'll find out in one week.
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