Kessler is top among rookies in both BPM and VORP. And by a lot, too. I think he may be the only rookie playing any significant minutes with a positive BPM, and not just positive, but +2.5. As illustration, Banchero is at -0.2.
Now yes, BPM skewes in favour of centers who don't take outside shots. And yes, Banchero is being asked to do more. It's still impressive, though. Kessler is playing quality minutes and being a big positive and both ends of the floor for a good team. That's not that common for a rookie these days. I am sure my fellow Jazz fans will recall that most big men we've drafter over the last 10 years have looked lost out there their first year. The NBA game just moves so quickly on both ends of the floor. Kessler isn't getting garbage minutes, he's closing tight games. He's also being asked to play against and even guard star players. He's also currently averaging a double-double in December, and in just over 20 minutes a game.
All his advanced numbers indicate a player who is already good. There aren't a lot of 21 year-olds in the league you can just throw on the floor and and have them help you win. We may have a gem here.
Also, he can clearly handle being double-teamed.