Every morning, 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.

“My decision is predicated on what is available,” he said. “I said that I was interested because I never retired for a reason. I’ve been watching, seeing what teams have been doing and I’ve been waiting to see if the opportunity presented itself where I think I could fit.”

[…] The Spurs and Clippers have been mentioned, also, but Allen said he has spoken with the Celtics, with whom he won a championship in 2008, and the Bucks, his first NBA stop.

“I would love going back to those places if it worked out,” Allen said, “because both teams are good, too. It doesn’t necessarily have to be championship-or-bust for me to go back to the NBA.

“I want to be in a situation where I thought I could help, play a little bit and help where they have good young talent.”

Hartford Courant: Ray Allen Serious About NBA Comeback

I’m going to pass on Ray Allen… but not out of spite or anything. He’s just too old.

I’m sure Ray can still get on the court and make 80 uncontested 3’s out of a hundred. But at 41, even the always-in-shape Ray Allen can only do so much in today’s NBA. Maybe he can help a really serious contender like Cleveland, but he’s not going to be what Boston really needs.

Now I know those of you who want this to happen will say “but the Celtics need shooting.” That’s true, they do. But they also need someone who’ll grow with the team. Adding one year of Ray Allen just mean the maxed-out Celtics roster, which already needs to get rid of three players, will have to now get rid of a fourth just to fit the old man. We can’t even figure out what the hell to do with Abdel Nader, and he was nearly the last guy selected in the draft. Call me crazy, but I’d rather see if RJ Hunter can become the shooter we need in the long run than cut him in favor of Allen.

What does Ray Allen ultimately give the Celtics? How many more wins is he worth? Even the most optimistic view of his abilities can’t possibly convince you he’ll be worth more than a couple of wins for Boston this year.

Personally, I don’t think he’ll give the team any more wins at all. 41-year-olds aren’t burning down the NBA with their play and a 41-year-old who’s been away from the game for two years isn’t going to just waltz back into the league.

Ray Allen can chase his comeback dreams somewhere else. Yes, the Celtics need a shooter, but not this one.

Related links: ESPN Boston: Ray Allen mulls NBA return  | CSNNE: Report: Ray Allen considering a comeback  |  MassLive: Ray Allen says he has spoken to Celtics about possible comeback  |  Globe: Could Ray Allen make a comeback and return to Boston

Page 2: IT wants to be AI

Thank you @alleniverson pic.twitter.com/Q68hvtnneE

— Isaiah Thomas (@Isaiah_Thomas) August 6, 2016

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As Chris Forsberg notes on ESPN Boston, Isaiah Thomas spent time with Iverson in Philly this weekend to help honor him before his Hall of Fame induction. He said on Instagram:

There will never be another Allen Iverson but I’m for damn sure going to be the closest thing to you LOL.

He also thanked Iverson for helping change his approach to the game.

This is what I really love about Isaiah Thomas. He takes opportunities to sit down with all of the greats and he takes what they say to heart. He’s constantly trying to make himself a better player. He’s even looking to visit Patriots practices to see how the best of the best in other sports do it… just in case he can add something to his preparation that way.

No, there will never be another guy quite like Iverson, but Thomas is doing what he can to make the little guys proud. I think there’s another level for Thomas to reach, and I’m glad he’ll be reaching it in Boston. The situation is just right for him, and now that he’s got a great pick-and-roll partner in Al Horford, we’re going to see him raise his game a bit more this season. .

The rest of the links:

Globe: US Men’s basketball opens in predictable fashion  |  Player’s union supports social activisim among its stars