Kemba Walker and Terry Rozier face former teams

Terry Rozier left the Celtics fan base and organization with a bad taste in their mouths and he chose to air his and the team’s dirty laundry in the public eye.

Kemba Walker, however, left his former team on good terms, handling his free agency in a gentlemanly fashion.

Two point guards swapped teams, but the circumstances of their departure are polar opposites. Now those teams are set to face each other in the first competitive game since the sign-and-trade took place.

Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports

Rozier has been steadily improving over recent games following some early struggles, struggles which can be expected when playing with new running mates in a new setting. Over his first seven games, he has been averaging 16.9 points, 4.1 rebounds and 5.6 assists. He is also turning the ball over 3.3 times a game and shooting just 6-of-14 a game from the field.

For all of the potential Rozier possesses, he has yet to reach the heights of “Scary Terry.” Now, he has a young second-year guard breathing down his neck. Devonte’ Graham has been playing exceptionally well to start the year, playing close to 32 minutes a game and scoring from deep at a much more efficient rate.

Rozier moved to the Hornets to be a starter, but could find his position under pressure should Graham continue his meteoric rise.

Kemba, on the other hand, is enjoying an impressive start to the season. In three of his first six games, he’s scored 30+ points and is reaping the benefits of playing with such an array of talent.

After a slow start against the Sixers, Kemba has improved on each outing. His defense has shown to be better than expected, whilst his finishing and playmaking is as good as advertised. And there is only more to come as he continues to get better as he becomes acclimated to his new surroundings.

One thing that is true across all sports is that players returning to face their former teams for the first time in a competitive capacity usually do well. Herein lies the question: will Terry Rozier glow up to “Scary Terry” or will he become a liability on offense by jacking up shots early in possessions? Will Kemba go off for 40 or more points, or will his emotions put a shackle on his game?

What do you think? is this just a narrative which will ultimately end in nothing or will one or both of these players provide a night to remember?