We compile the links of the day and dump them here… highlighting the big story line. Because there’s nothing quite as satisfying as a good morning dump.

If the Celtics make a change to the starting lineup, Zeller’s the likely odd man out. He played just six minutes, 28 seconds on Sunday and missed both of his shot attempts. It’s not just that he’s missing shots. Zeller has had problems defensively as well, which is why you’re seeing Jared Sullinger and Amir Johnson off the bench just minutes into the game to sub him out.

CSNNE – Stars, studs and duds: A learning process

Welcome to Overreaction City. Population: Me.

I promise not to rush to  judgment on the Celtics’ 7-footer after three games,  but I don’t think it’s outrageous to say that those three games really couldn’t have gone worse for Tyler “the tank engine” Zeller (it’ll catch on. I promise).

First, he was abused by a stronger Jahlil Okafor in the Cs opener; it didn’t take long for Brad Stevens to sit Zeller down in favor of Jared Sullinger, who was far more effective on the big rookie.

He didn’t collect a rebound in 16 minutes of action against Toronto last Friday, as Stevens leaned on a smaller lineup through much of the second half. That led to yesterday: six minutes, a couple of clanked, 18-foot jumpers and a permanent seat on the bench.

This is the same Tyler Zeller who played 28 minutes in game three against the Cavs in last year’s opening round playoff series. In classic coach speak, Brad Stevens took responsibility for Zeller’s lack of playing time:

“We’ve got a lot of bigs,” Stevens said after the game when asked about Zeller’s lack of playing time. “I’m still working through it. That’s not on Tyler, that’s on me.”

What made Zeller expendable in the first place -the Celtics essentially got him for nothing- was his lack of defense and rebounding. The Cs were, for the most part, able to hide those things last year and ride out his deft shooting touch around the basket and his ability to stretch the floor with his range. We haven’t even seen that consistently through three games.

The Cs have the suddenly small-ball Pacers in Indiana on Wednesday. Let’s see if the Zeller-train can get out of the station.

On page 2, When this all gets sorted out, Brad and Pop should get an apartment together

There’s an obvious and unusual bond between these two coaches. They connected over Indiana roots and a love of well-executed basketball, and yet that’s seemingly where the similarities stop. The 66-year-old Popovich likes to play the role of curmudgeon who has no time for your silly questions, while the 39-year-old Stevens overwhelms you with patience and kindness.

And yet Popovich has gone out of his way to both help Stevens and smother him with praise at every opportunity.

“I really respect what he does. I’ll still watch his Butler tape, trying to learn some stuff he did there, to be honest with you,” Popovich said of Stevens after Sunday’s game. “I really respect the hell out of him. He’s a really fine young coach, great demeanor. His team executes really well, and they’re just going to keep getting better. So I enjoy him.”

ESPN Boston – Popovich on Stevens: ‘I really respect the  hell out of him’

We’ve heard all of this before. These two guys respect each other. Now, come on, Pop, give Brad a spot on your coaching staff in Rio. We all know it’s coming.

Related Links: Mass Live – Gregg Popovich not discussing possible team USA assistants, but respects ‘the hell out of’ Brad Stevens  | CSNNE – Gregg Popovich on Brad Stevens: ‘I really respect the hell out of him’

And finally, if the Spurs, Suns, Lakers, Rockets and Heat all passed on LMA, he’d be in green (I think)

Aldridge signed with the Spurs. But not before plenty of speculation as to who would win him over.

Before he signed, a picture surfaced of what appeared to be Aldridge at Logan International Airport in Boston, MA.

The rumors swirled: Was Aldridge in town meeting with the Celtics? Was he hanging out with Celtics players and getting a feel for the city?

No further pictures of Aldridge popped up around Boston after that one. Now we know why. CSNNE.com asked Aldridge if it was indeed him in the picture at Logan Airport. It was. But he was not in town for any Celtics-related reasons.

Aldridge was simply changing flights onto an international flight before heading overseas.

Pressed further on if there was any interest between the Celtics and him, Aldridge admitted there was some mutual interest. He didn’t want to go into any further detail.

CSNNE – Aldridge: There was mutual interest with Celtics

This is so laughable. It’s like someone saying, “hey I’m tight with Jay-Z!” And then you ask him how he knows Jay-Z and he says, “My sister’s best friend’s yoga instructor’s second cousin interned for his agent.”

Of course there was mutual interest. The Celtics had money, they are a basketball team and Lamarcus Aldridge was looking for money and is a basketball player. This is a non-story. However, it would have been nice if he was hitting turn-around jumpers for the Cs yesterday and not on the Cs yesterday.