3 aspects to watch for in Houston Rockets preseason opener vs. Pacers

3. Jalen Green and Fred VanVleet's chemistry

Jalen Green and Fred VanVleet could potentially be one of the better backcourts in the Western Conference. At least the Rockets need them to be, if they hope to morph into any semblance of a contender this season. 

Green is an uber-talented bucket-getter who is entering his third season. At just 21-years-of-age, Green could use guidance, leadership, and wisdom, which has been lacking from the Rockets' roster.

Enter Fred VanVleet, who has been a part of an NBA championship team and has reached stardom in the league. VanVleet ascended from an undrafted prospect to an All-Star in 2022 and knows what it takes to help Green ascend into one of the better players at his position.

Green and VanVleet were training together in southern California before the ink had dried on his three-year $128 million dollar with the Rockets, which figures to be a good sign moving forward. The two were seated next to each other in Las Vegas during the Summer League, which could go a long way towards building chemistry between the two.

Green will need VanVleet to help him get where he wants to go, and VanVleet will need Green to take a leap in order for the Rockets to go from a 22-win team to a contender this season. It'll be interesting to see how the two play off of each other in Tuesday's preseason opener.