The NBA season is still relatively new, having started less than three weeks ago. A few Western conference teams -- specifically the Grizzlies and Rockets -- are performing at lower-than-expected levels. The Phoenix Suns, meanwhile, are a respectable 5-4, which isn't spectacular but if the regular season ended Sunday afternoon would give them the 6th seed in the West.

Brandon Knight does huge things for this squad. Markieff Morris, T.J. Warren and Tyson Chandler are key. But a reason for early-season Suns success has been the great play of guard Eric Bledsoe. Here's the Arizona Republic reporting:

Bledsoe, 25, has taken dynamic skills and abilities and transformed them with more purpose and passion.

Through nine games, Bledsoe ranks 10th in the NBA for points per game (23.2), fourth for steals per game (2.1), 12th for assists per game (6.2), 12th for 3-point percentage (40.0) and third in field-goal percentage (49.7) among point guards behind Stephen Curry and Tony Parker. LeBron James and Russell Westbrook are the only other players averaging at least 24 points, six assists, four rebounds and two steals per game.

By no coincidence, Bledsoe is coming off a dedicated summer spent with Suns training and basketball staff in Phoenix and carrying the burn of missing playoffs in his first two seasons as a starter.

“I’m just playing, having fun and playing with my teammates and being aggressive,” Bledsoe said.

Yes, but it is how he is doing those things. He is playing better more consistently and wisely. His fun includes the home crowd. His effort is setting a tone for teammates. His aggression is well-placed more often, being less aggressive at just the right moment on many occasions, too.