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.

Boston is hoping Smart’s return to the lineup can help a Celtics squad that’s trying to get back on track after losses in five of their last six games.

But as much as the Celtics are eager for him to get back to playing, head coach Brad Stevens isn’t blinded by the reality that Boston (4-8) wasn’t exactly setting the world ablaze with their play prior to Smart’s left ankle sprain and bone bruise injury which occurred on Nov. 7 against Indiana.

“To be real frank, we were 1-3 with him and losing when he went out,” Stevens said. “I don’t want to make it sound like … put all the weight of the world on his shoulders or the burden on his shoulders. That wasn’t necessarily the case as far as impacting the bottom line; it’s about wins and losses.”

CSNNE:  Stevens curbs enthusiasm surrounding Smart’s return

Stevens is pretty… pretty…. pretty…. pragmatic about the whole situation.

I know we’ve had pretty high hopes for the team after Smart’s return, but Brad’s bucket of cold water coupled with the fact that Smart couldn’t even make it through his first practice back should snap us back into reality.  I still think that Smart’s defensive prowess could have at least slowed down enough of the guards that slayed the Celtics to maybe turn a couple of those L’s into W’s… but we also need to account for how much of a gunslinger he is.  He has, after all, attempted five 3-pointers per game so far in his young career.  He’s shooting 24%, so it’s possible he would have done some harm as well as some good.

As for Smart pulling out of practice, I see that as disappointing that he’s not ready to return just quite yet, but happy that he didn’t pull a James Young and blast through an injury without telling anyone.  Maybe Young’s ordeal in the preseason taught Smart a lesson, or maybe it was his teammates:

Smart already has talked to teammates about the proper way to return from injury, and based on yesterday’s decision he has taken their words to heart. He should be especially interested in the travails of Avery Bradley.

Bradley, whose start-and-stop career has been tormented by injuries, admittedly came back too soon from an ankle injury last season and was sidelined again.

“Not rushing yourself is the key,” Bradley said. “Hopefully he’s 100 percent and being smart about it. It’s tough. This is his first year, and he wants to help our team out, and he’s a little disappointed that he hasn’t been able to in every game. He’s back, but one thing everyone has told him is to listen to your body.”

I’m looking forward to Smart returning, and I hope it’s soon, but I’m much happier to have him be smart about his injuries.  Decisions like this are the little things that prolong careers.

Related links:  CSNNE:  Smart takes himself out of practice  |  ESPN Boston:  Smart limited in return to practice  |  WEEI:  Smart returns to practice, Bradley focuses on being aggressive  |  Globe: Smart pulls himself out of practice

Page 2:  Gerald Wallace is a pretty good dude.

Dear Gerald Wallace,

Thank you for sitting and talking with my son, Davis. Although, for you, this was just a moment in time before heading off to your work as a basketball player on the Boston Celtics, for us it was a glimpse of our boy living his dream.

I don’t know if Davis mentioned it or not, but he wants to be a professional basketball player too. Although the slim odds for making it into the NBA would discourage most, Davis will not be deterred. His optimism is one of his best qualities.

The Mighty: To the NBA player who didn’t see my son’s disability

That’s worth checking out.  In this crazy world we’re looking at in the news, go read this very short piece about Gerald Wallace making this kid’s day.

I don’t want to get overly sappy here, but these guys have the ability to change lives as pro athletes.  Some guys lose sight of that.  This was very cool.

Related links:  NESN:  Wallace given heartfelt letter after meeting boy with Down Syndrome

And Finally….

Have a Happy Thanksgiving everybody.  I hope you’re able to enjoy the day with friends and family.  Go get drunk, overeat, and watch football!

The rest of the links:

ESPN Boston:  C’s thankful for progress  | CSNNE:  Stevens hopes defense takes a step forward  |  Celtics would like to get to the foul line more  |  NESN:  Bradley taking aggressive mindset to earn more foul shots