During his rookie season with Minnesota, Derrick Williams started 15 games. The Timberwolves selected the Arizona forward second overall in the 2011 NBA draft, and he entered the league during the lockout-shortened 2011–12 season.
Williams appeared in 66 games and averaged 8.8 points and 5.5 rebounds in about 21.5 minutes per game. Although he was a high draft pick, Minnesota generally used him as a reserve behind established frontcourt players, which explains why his starts were limited to 15.
His rookie season came on a young Timberwolves team led by Kevin Love and point guard Ricky Rubio. Minnesota finished 26–40 and missed the playoffs, but Williams showed the athleticism and rebounding ability that had made him a standout at Arizona.
The number can be confused with his total appearances or with later seasons, when his role changed. “Started” refers only to games in the starting lineup, not the 66 contests in which he played.