Rajon Rondo Will Not Shed a Tear When KG and Pierce Return to Garden

When has Rajon Rondo ever let his emotions get the best of him? 

He certainly hasn't in the past—even developing a bit of a reputation as a tough player to get along with—and that won't change heading into the Boston Celtics' showdown with Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett and the rest of the Brooklyn Nets. 

Per ESPN Boston's Chris Forsberg, not a tear shall be shed: 

A little bit of emotion certainly wouldn't be shocking.

After all, this will be the very first time Pierce uses the opposing team's locker room in the Boston Garden. Meanwhile, Garnett hasn't made a trip back to Beantown while wearing the wrong colors ever since he left the Minnesota Timberwolves and threw on a green uniform in 2007. 

How the fans will react is completely up in the air, as it's feasible to expect both scattered boos for the departed superstars and a heartfelt standing ovation before the opening tip. But apparently Rondo is going to be all business. 

Just like always. 

Garnett, even though he's known for his ridiculous levels of intensity and taking trash-talking to an extreme, told Tim Bontemps of the New York Post the following: 

"

That’s my little brother. I love Rondo. He knows that, and I would do anything for him. All in all, I’m just happy that he’s back, and I’m just happy he’s able to be healthy and continue to be able to do one of the things he does best.

"

I suppose he didn't shed a tear, but the emotion was certainly there. And it's not for Rondo. 

Earlier in the 2013-14 proceedings, Boston.com's Gary Dzen reported that the talented point guard felt nothing when his teammates and coach departed for different organizations. However, some suspected he may have been trying to maintain a tough-guy persona.

Dan Feldman of NBC Sports was one, writing that "Rondo is not a cyborg (though, I can’t confirm that with absolute certainty), and he had been through too much with Garnett, Pierce and Rivers to just shrug off their departures."

On Sunday night, we'll find out. 

Actions speak louder than words, after all. So if Rondo lets his shell crack when he greets Pierce and Garnett, that'll be far more telling than any interview.