Joan Beringer - NBA Mock Draft Roundup 1.0

What pops on tape from Beringer is his ability to finish consistently at the rim off pick-and-rolls. Beringer can be a great rim protector at the next level. He is also very good at contesting shots as a help defender. He will be a project at the next level, but with the right development, he could thrive. It's worth the swing at this pick.

Beringer, who boasts a reported 7-foot, 5-inch wingspan, is projected to be a first-round pick, given his versatility, athleticism and rim protection. He is averaging 5.1 points, 4.7 rebounds and 1.4 blocks on 62.1% shooting from the field with Cedevita Olimpija in Slovenia. The Frenchman is considered raw offensively, but has the tools to develop into a productive player at the next level with development. The Pacers have found recent success developing players, and could look to target Beringer as their next project.

Indiana loves these athletic big men and could use another player to develop into a backup role this summer, even if Myles Turner decides to stick around. The Pacers need a long-term backup center solution. Beringer might not be ready to step into that role from day one, but he possesses the kind of tools necessary to turn into a tremendous running partner out in transition for Tyrese Haliburton down the road. He's a tremendous leaper who can sky for the basketball, but more than that, his hands are phenomenal. He catches everything both in and outside of his area with ease. He fits the archetype of a rim-running, shot-swatting big man who will have low offensive usage but be able to play in versatile situations on defense if his game develops well over the next three years.

Pro Comparison: Clint Capela

Joan Beringer has entered this year's draft discussion with a high shot-blocking rate and highlights of defensive mobility at 6'11".

Despite lacking any real offensive skill, his physical tools, movement and effectiveness suggest the rim protection, shot-contesting and finishing should be translatable to the same role he plays for Cedevita.

Scouting report: Yet to turn 19, Beringer displayed major strides this season, with a late-blooming trajectory, excellent physical profile and intriguing long-term upside bolstering his stock. Though likely far away from being a plus contributor in the NBA, Beringer has plenty of developmental appeal as a defensive-oriented center with fluid mobility. He's quite raw offensively and would strongly benefit from landing on a team that can afford him patience and developmental minutes. -- Woo

NBA intel and fit: This is the second of Brooklyn's four first-round picks, with the team likely to be very active in trade discussions as it looks to extract value out of its strong position in this draft. But Beringer's long-term upside as a mobile paint protector would make him a nice fit with the Nets, who can afford him the minutes and attention he needs to improve. -- Woo

Beringer might've been a nice alternative to play Mr. Fantastic had Pedro Pascal said no, because I can't tell you how many times he reached into the frame to eradicate a shot at the rim when I was watching other international prospects this season. That said, any team will need to know going in that Beringer is a long-term investment—he ain't ready to play yet. He'll probably have to join the G League crew in Maine for the foreseeable future, but what better team to sculpt a block of clay like Beringer than a proven development program like Boston's?

Beringer has blossomed into a legitimate first-round talent playing for Cedevita this season and has come on strong of late with three double-digit scoring outings in his last four games. He's a fluid mover for his size with natural instincts as a center.

It's the end of an era in Sacramento. De'Aaron Fox is gone. Domantas Sabonis could be next. It's time to take a big swing instead of playing it safe: Beringer is a center but has the quickness of a guard, giving him immense defensive versatility to build on for years to come. He began playing basketball only three years ago, which makes him a raw project, but also makes his natural talents all the more impressive. There's a chance he doesn't even make it all the way to Sacramento, but someone is always bound to fall.