Your Morning Dump… Where the Al & Amir tandem has locked down the starting five

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.

Entering training camp, four starters seemed almost definite: Isaiah Thomas, Avery Bradley, Jae Crowder and Al Horford. The other big man spot might have been up for grabs, but, with Kelly Olynyk on the shelf, Amir Johnson was the natural starter from the first day of practice. Stevens said he didn’t enter camp “dead-sold” on sticking with that lineup forever, but wanted to give it plenty of reps to start the jelling process.

It’s possible Olynyk will still make a run at a starting spot after he receives full-contact clearance, but Stevens has liked what he’s seen from the Johnson-Horford pairing. With that group, the starters have stomped on opponents through two preseason games (four starters skipped the third game). The sample size is tiny, but Horford appears to be lifting the offense (as expected) while keeping the team’s defensive foundation at least intact.

“I think that, thus far, (Johnson and Horford’s) skill sets fit each other nicely,” Stevens said. “I think Al’s had a contagious effect on our passing in that group. And I just think everybody is looking maybe one pass too many at times. But I’d rather dial it back then turn it up. Like I think that ultimately those guys are trying to share the ball to the point where, yesterday, I thought they passed up a few really really good shots. But I think that both of those guys being able to play in the seams, both those guys being able to catch it off pick-and-rolls and quickly move it to others has really had a great impact on the whole group.”

MassLive – Boston Celtics notes: Brad Stevens likes Al Horford-Amir Johnson pairing so far

During his first three seasons at the helm, Stevens dealt with a roster in transition, injuries and a general lack of obvious first-unit talent. Remember that, for Stevens’ NBA regular-season debut in 2013, he trotted out a starting five of Bradley, Gerald Wallace, Jeff Green, Brandon Bass and Vitor Faverani. David Lee and Tyler Zeller were opening-night starters a year ago before both vanished to the land of DNP (did not play).

But from almost the moment the Celtics signed Horford to a four-year, $113 million contract this summer, Stevens was confident he had his starting lineup in place. Stevens made it clear that no spots are cemented at this stage of the preseason, but it certainly would be a bit of a surprise if anyone unseated a lineup that features Horford alongside four starters from last season. Maybe the only spot that wasn’t certain was Johnson playing the other big-man spot opposite Horford, but Stevens likes how they’ve meshed thus far.

ESPN Boston – Celtics coach Brad Stevens implores his starters to be more selfish

It’s been a long while since names like Vitor and Gerald were on our radar. Happily, that fact reflects how far the Celtics have come in the rebuild since President Stevens made the surprise move from Butler to Boston. Now we’re staring at an expected 50-plus win season in which one of the team’s “flaws” is that they pass too much. If this is a dream, don’t wake me.

The question of who would be the fifth starter now seems to have been answered. The coach likes Amir in that role, rather than Kelly. Also, as the RaininJs discussed in Tuesday’s Locked On Celtics Podcast, an important factor is that the second unit needs more scoring options, which Olynyk can provide. It looks like Brad agrees.

On Page 2: Rookie gets ready

With such a valuable resource sitting there, Jackson peppered Thomas about the anatomy of the perfect two-for-one attack. He asked Thomas what he looks for and, most important, when it is best to take a shot.

Then late in the third quarter, Jackson was on the floor and able to find out for himself. With 28.8 seconds left, he drained a 3-pointer, meaning the Celtics were likely to have another possession in the period, perhaps with about five seconds left.

After Charlotte’s Christian Wood dunked the ball with seven seconds remaining, the Celtics hurried the other way and Jackson drilled another 3-pointer. The two-for-one had been a success, and perhaps more important, Jackson felt a bit more comfortable with a relatively unfamiliar concept.

“It’s really cool to be educated by these guys,” Jackson said before Monday’s practice. “And it’s cool to be able to go out and really put it into action.”

Globe – Demetrius Jackson immerses himself in his NBA education

It’s early, but my first impression of Jackson is that he’s Phil Pressey with a jump shot. We all loved Phil as a hustling overachiever, but we also knew he couldn’t throw it in the ocean from the pier. He shot just 25.7% on threes in his two Boston seasons. Meanwhile, Jackson is capable of hitting two triples in 28 seconds. Opponents won’t be leaving Demetrius open like they did Phil.

Because this is preseason, we’re currently obsessing about which guaranteed contact will be cut before the season opener. I think Jackson has nothing to worry about. He’s a keeper, even though that means being inactive for most games and commuting to Maine regularly.

On Page 3: Free food

My idol. pic.twitter.com/VtVM3na2Ci

— Chris Forsberg (@ESPNForsberg) October 11, 2016

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Nothing could make us go more often than we already do! I let him go alone today in protest for the rest of us still having to pay. https://t.co/rVfBZsUWki

— Mike Zarren (@mikezarren) October 11, 2016

//platform.twitter.com/widgets.jsThere’s brand loyalty – such as, you wear only Nikes, never Adidas – and there’s Danny Ainge-Chipotle loyalty. He eats there so often they’ve given him a permanent gift card (and his co-workers are suffering). It’s ironic: in the real world, you’re coughing up a couple hundred bucks for those Nikes, while the pro athletes get theirs gratis; in that light, you’ll be forgiven if you envy Danny the next time you buy a burrito.

And, finally: There will never be another Big Papi

Such a joy to cheer for. Thank you @davidortiz for sharing your dedication, leadership and personality https://t.co/nTyF31sjsM

— Danny Ainge (@danielrainge) October 11, 2016

//platform.twitter.com/widgets.jsRelated: MassLive – David Ortiz’s farewell: Boston Celtics’ Marcus Smart, Al Horford salute Red Sox legend for career | Herald – Celtics’ Brad Stevens loved being at David Ortiz’ final game | CSNNE – Red Sox’ Elimination Bittersweet For Indians Fan Terry Rozier

The Rest of the Links:

Globe – Preseason lineups are a delicate balance for Brad Stevens

Herald – R.J. Hunter, James Young keep minds on their game and team

Boston.com – Celtics legend Kevin McHale rejoins Turner Sports’ NBA broadcasts

CSNNE – McHale Likes Celtics Addition Of Horford, Believes They Need Another Star

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