Vinny Del Negro’s return to Boston is more than just a homecoming for the Springfield, Massachusetts native. Tonight the newly appointed head coach of the Chicago Bulls is going up against his former teammates in all levels of the Celtics organization.

“I played with Doc, I played with Danny, I played with Ray Allen,” Del Negro said before the game.  “So to come back and see those guys is great. I’m just happy with their success last year and for all those guys.”

Here’s how it breaks down:

1988-90: Teammates with Danny Ainge on the Sacramento Kings

1994-96: Teammates with Doc Rivers on the San Antonio Spurs

1998-2000: Teammates with Ray Allen on the Milwaukee Bucks

What can a first pick get you these days in the NBA?

This summer it didn’t seem like much when Derrick Rose struggled at the Orlando Summer League. Tonight, however, he is showing more signs of potential.

Rose is fast so the match up between him and Rajon Rondo is a quick-moving battle to the basket. Both point guards like to drive the lane and Rose has already proved that like Rondo, he isn’t afraid to take on the big guys.

Early in the first quarter Rose drove to the hoop against Kendrick Perkins and drew the fouls. He blocked out “De-riiicck” chants from the crowd to nail both free throws.

Of course you can’t base an opinion on a few minutes of basketball but tonight Rose is coming out strong against the defending champs.