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.

With the addition of bulldog Marcus Smart to a backcourt that already includes Avery Bradley and Rajon Rondo, the strength in that area is evident. And the fact the Celts don’t exactly have imposing size on the interior makes the concept all the more necessary.

The C’s want to engage the battle on the outside where their troops are stronger and more defensively able.

“That’s part of it,” Stevens said before yesterday’s practice. “That’s the great balance. You can’t open up opportunities because you’re too stretched out with your pressure, so you have to pressure with a maturity and still be able to contain.

“There’s a fine line there. And there’s also a humility aspect that goes into it. If you’re pressuring the fastest guy in the league, you’re going to have to back off a little bit. But if you’ve got a matchup that you can be more aggressive in, then that’s beneficial.”

Boston Herald – Celtics Notebook: Brad Stevens aims for aggressive defense

Last year, Stevens and the C’s ranked 13th in points allowed per game, which wasn’t bad considering the roster and Brad’s lack of experience (though 23rd in opponent field goal%). Now with the three guard split (which will hopefully be healthy by mid-November), Stevens can get to work on drastically improving  the defensive end, starting at the top. It’s becoming clearer every day that Marcus Smart provides the tools to contribute from the start, and creates depth in the backcourt, which will allow Bradley to stay exclusively at shooting guard (thank you Jesus). Rondo spent the summer in Boston working out with Stevens, which helped them get on the same page, as well as build chemistry and trust for in-game situations. And adding Zeller give us a chance to at least contest shots in the paint on a consistent basis. Lots of people like to joke about all the false hope teams spew on media day and in the beginning of camp. There may not be much talk of title contending, but I’m content in being able to trust that the improvements being quoted at practice will actually be coming.

On the other end, the offense may not improve much. Smart should undergo a learning curve and could lack efficiency, and James Young may be up and down from Maine. Still, where the Celtics have the best opportunity to be this year’s 2013 Suns exists on the defensive end.

Page 2: Prokhorov trying to sell part of the Nets

Multiple sources briefed on Nets/Guggenheim talks believe it will eventually become a straight sale. Prokhorov actively looking to cash out.

— Chris Mannix (@ChrisMannixSI) October 2, 2014

Head coaching change, looming ownership change, probably KG’s last year…All good things for the stock of those draft picks.

I hope we find a way to move some of our picks from the Nets. I know they’ll probably end up being very high, with Brooklyn’s forecast roster being so gloomy,  but if our intention is to keep Rondo and Smart together, then adding more young talent may compromise Rondo’s window. Sometimes I forget Rondo is only 28, and that even Paul Pierce (36), is still very good in the league. But if Smart really is NBA-ready on defense, I’d prefer to cash in a couple picks and get a solid piece, even if he isn’t under 25 years-old. Who that could be is a mystery, but as the season trots on and as players get unhappy, Danny’s got more than enough in the bank to make something work.

PS: if you’re in the Boston area, the C’s are giving chances to win tickets on the corner of State and Congress street today from 12-1pm.

The rest of the links:

 Boston Herald – Brandon Bass a steadying force – Tyler Zeller early center of attention

Grantland – NBA Windows: What do you see in John Wall?

Celticsblog – What an aggressive defense actually means

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