Every morning, we compile the links of the day and dump them here… highlighting the big storyline. Because there’s nothing quite as satisfying as a good morning dump.

“If I was ready [for back-to-back games], I’d play,” Rondo said. “It’s a matter of a combination of things that bother me on my lower part of my body, my calves, my Achilles and then my knee so it’s just a part of all of those three that are affecting me after games. The next day, I need the rest.”

Rondo has been taking long massage treatments after each game on his lower body to try and reduce the impact from running up and down the court and playing his typically aggressive, sometimes reckless style. But the massages, he said, only go so far. He still has to wake up the next morning.

“I’m pretty sore when I wake up,” Rondo said. “My Achilles bothers me the most when I get out of bed. Throughout the day it gets better. I still don’t want to try to overdo it and something else may happen just because of that.”

WEEI:  Rajon Rondo explains why he’s not playing in back-to-backs

Playing an NBA game is hard work.  Have you gone out and tried to play basketball lately?  Imagine how sore you get after a pick-up game.

I know that these guys are “finely tuned athletes,” but that doesn’t exempt them from post-game soreness.  Rondo’s body hasn’t had to go through the rigors of an NBA game for quite some time, so it’s natural for things like his Achilles tendon to be sore.  And there’s certainly no point in pushing him to play in the back-to-backs and risk doing damage to his joints or tendons when they don’t have to.

The potential for losing those games is a bonus.  Boston’s little two-game winning streak has pushed them into a three-way time for the fifth-worst record in the league.  I’m sure the schedule will take care of that, but removing Rondo and his return to Rondo-ness from the equation will help those anxious about the team’s success.

Rondo’s return, and a lineup tweak following Jared Sullinger’s concussion, has led to some more cohesive play from the Celtics.  Keeping Sullinger on the bench allows Kris Humphries to benefit from playing with Rondo, and it’s allowed Sullinger and Olynyk to get more minutes together on the floor.  Olynyk has stepped up his game since the All Star break, so he and Sully are working well to shore up what used to be a horrible bench.

Jon Duke and I went into great detail on Rondo last night on Celtics Stuff Live.  Here’s the show for your listening pleasure:

Related links:  ESPN Boston:  Rondo plans to sit Wednesday  |  CSNNE:  Rondo still not ready for back-to-backs |  WEEI:  Stevens:  Rondo probably won’t play in back-to-back this season

Page 2:  Josh Smith fantasizes about playing with Rondo

“It can be far-fetched, but it could be possible too, at the same time,” Smith said.

Has Smith ever thought that it could happen?

“I’m always optimistic,” he said. “I always think of different scenarios. It could happen, but who knows?”

Smith admitted to thinking about he and Rondo reuniting last summer before Smith signed a four-year deal with the Pistons.

“I thought it could’ve been a possibility, but you know, I’m in Detroit,” Smith said. “I’m happy I’m here. He’s still here. He’s still creating his market as a Celtic.”

The two were roommates at Oak Hill.

“That’s where the relationship started,” Smith said.

They broke down film together and worked out before and after practices, as the gym was within walking distance of their dormitory.

They’ve remained close since.

“He’s my best friend, especially in the NBA,” Smith said. “We definitely connect. We take family vacations together.”

Globe:  Josh Smith a fan of Rondo

I know plenty of people who would love to make this happen.  I’m sure by now you know I’m not one of them.

Smith is a tantalizing player.  He’s a freakishly athletic big who can run the floor, finish at the rim, and take guys in the post.  Yet he falls in love with mid-range jumpers and ill-advised 3’s.

Would playing with his best friend change his habits, or only reinforce them?  Chances are, we’ll never find out.  Smith makes far too much money to be a legitimate trade target and, currently, the only way to get him would be to give Rondo up, and we know that’s not happening  (although trading them for each other would be one hell of a middle finger to the both of them).

The only way these guys will play together from now on is in pick up games on their own, or if Smith gets his act together and makes an All Star team.  Other than that, I’ll be happy to see this dream go unrealized.

Related links:  CSNNE:  Smith fantasizes about being Rondo’s teammate  |  ESPN Boston:  Rondo, Smith chat reunion

And Finally…

From that same Smith link, I love how the Celtics & Chris Babb agreed to a second 10-day contract:

He was notified by Celtics executive Mike Zarren, who came into the locker room after Sunday’s game and asked Babb, “Do you want to stick around?”

“Yeah, sure. Why not?” Babb replied.

Related links:  Herald:  Another 10-day for Babb  |  ESPN Boston:  Babb signs second 10-day deal  |  WEEI:  Babb impresses, signs second 10-day deal

Oh wait, one more thing

Pretty cool photoshop there from @Lil_Kaino in honor of Rajon Rondo passing Bill Russell for 5th on the Celtics all time assists list.

Related links:  ESPN Boston:  Rondo passes Russell on assists list

The rest of the links:

CSNNE:  Celtics loose after beating Pistons  |  Humphries “having fun” |  Rondo giving C’s just what they need  |  Sullinger: I’ve lost more than I have over 6 or 7 years  |  Olynyk skies for the.. lay in  |  Herald:  Rondo tosses perfect game  |  Billups backs up Rondo  |  Globe:  Boston won’t hit bottom