Houston Rockets Training Camp Notebook: Jalen Green and Fred VanVleet Showcase Brotherly Chemistry

Jalen Green and Fred VanVleet displayed their on-court chemistry during the first day of training camp.

Houston Rockets guards Jalen Green and Fred VanVleet displayed their chemistry on the first day of training camp inside the Legacy Center at McNeese State University. During a 12-minute scrimmage, VanVleet connected with Green for a two-hand halfcourt alley-oop.

The Green-VanVleet connection accounted for two points, contributing to the projected starters winning the five-on-five contest against the reserve unit. But more importantly, the alley-oop was evidence of the chemistry Green and VanVleet established months before the Rockets arrived in Lake Charles.

"He's like big bro already," Green said. "We laugh and joke, play around outside of basketball. He has already taken on that big brother role. He has told me that he is going to teach me how to be a leader, and how to be a better version of myself. I am relying on him."

VanVleet signed a three-year max contract with the Rockets on the first day of free agency in July. Two days later, Green and VanVleet began working out together in Los Angeles with performance coach Mike Guevara. 

The bond they built throughout the summer has Green believing that he and VanVleet will make a "good backcourt" this season.

He said playing alongside VanVleet creates more on-court spacing because of his 3-point shooting. And due to VanVleet's defensive mindset, Green feels playing next to the veteran point guard will help enhance his productivity on defense.

"He is an explosive talent," VanVleet said. "He was picked No. 2 for a reason. He is a natural scorer who is competitive and plays hard. He has that dawg in him. I always admired his game from afar. But to spend some time with him, I am just excited to help him take that next step. It is time for him to have that big breakout season we all know he can have."

Former Raptors guard Fred VanVleet looks on against Rockets' Jalen Green at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Sousa-USA TODAY Sports

Jabari Smith Jr displays improved athleticism: Jabari Smith Jr. played alongside Green and VanVleet during the first training camp scrimmage. The alley-oop connection between Green and VanVleet demonstrated the chemistry of Houston's new backcourt. But Smith's play also displayed the intensity of practice. 

"We were competing from the jump, it was great," Smith said. "Everybody came into training camp in shape, and it felt good that we can get off to a good start. It was good to see everybody competing and getting after each other."

During the last five minutes, Smith dunked over the top of Tari Eason. He received a pass from VanVleet, who freed Smith with a screen set on Darius Days. The pick allowed Smith an open lane to attack downhill. And due to Cam Whitmore not picking up the ball-handler, Smith used his speed and strength to complete the one-handed dunk attempt.

Tuesday's practice was the first time Smith displayed his improved athleticism and ball-handling.

Smith spent the off-season working on his weaknesses in Atlanta and Houston. He also stayed in communication with coach Ime Udoka throughout the summer, who shared tips on which attributes Smith needed to work on in hopes of taking a significant leap in year two. 

Following the first day of practice, the 20-year-old forward believes he has seen the most significant improvements in his ball handling and physical strength.

"I was lifting every day but not to the point where it would mess up anything," Smith said. "It was about keeping my advantage of being faster than people at my position. But, half of the workout is building confidence. When you know you are strong and have been in the weight room, you want to throw your strength around a little bit more."

QUICK HITS

• Udoka said everyone came into training camp in shape. The conditioning of his team allowed Udoka to hold practice longer than normal for the first day.

• Udoka held a 30-minute film session to begin training camp. He showed numbers and clips from the previous three years to show where the team needs the most improvements. Udoka said the first three numbers he wrote on the board were 17, 20, and 22. The numbers represented the amount of wins the Rockets had each season since 2021.