As an 11-year NBA veteran, Kenny Anderson is long past the stage of sentimental homecomings. But before boarding the team flight to New York last night, the Celtics point guard said this particular visit would stand out.

``It's going to be my first time back in New York since the (Sept. 11) terrorist attack so it's definitely going to be more meaningful for me going back,'' Anderson said after practice at The Sports Authority Center in Waltham. ``I knew people who died in the World Trade Center, so I'm sure that'll be on my mind when we get there.

``There was also that plane crash (near Anderson's old neighborhood in Queens on Nov. 12) that happened afterward. So, I'll definitely be feeling some different things than I would on the normal trip back home to New York.

``But I'm going to visit with my family and I'll have a chance to catch up with some old friends. That part of the trip will be nice.''