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.

While development for the future appears to be the primary goal of management, Stevens said the focus is winning. The Celtics are 1½ games behind Brooklyn for the final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference.

“One of the things that’s hard to balance is we want to get everybody acclimated,” Stevens said. “At the same time, you’ve got 12 guys who have been here who know exactly how we’re trying to play and how we want to do things on both ends.

“I don’t know if I did a great job in Game 1 [against Miami] of balancing that. I don’t know if the rotations we had in Game 2 were perfect for that.

“Obviously the group at the end of the game made a run but I still think that there are a lot of things that we have to iron out. It will be a process. That’s what I’ve been working on the last few days.”

One of the changes Stevens made during the loss to Orlando was benching starters Jared Sullinger (for the second half) and Jeff Green (for the final 15:50). Green scored a season-low 4 points, his first time in single figures since March 31, a string of 33 games. Sullinger went scoreless for the second time in eight games.

In that eight-game stretch, Sullinger has averaged 6.1 points.

“I talked to both of them and I’ll talk to both of them,” Stevens said. “That’s happened, at one time or another, to everybody on our team.

“Again, I thought the best example of that was obviously the Washington game [where he benched all five starters]. It’s happened to Avery [Bradley]. It’s happened to Kelly [Olynyk], Jeff, Sully.

“We need all those guys to be really good. There’s certain nights where you may feel like another guy may be playing really well and you roll with him.”

Boston Globe – Celtics coach spins his wheels on rotations

If you watch Celtics games regularly and get confused just as frequently when watching Coach Stevens’ rotations, you’re not alone.  In fact, it’s clear the Stevens himself isn’t sure on a set rotation.  One of the basic elements of establishing a winning team is set rotations, or at least lineups that are relatively close to set.  Right now, this team is not close to having that.  Part of that was/is Stevens learning the NBA game while another part is the revolving door of players he’s been given.  Another big part has been an imbalance of players both in terms of veterans, young guys, and being overloaded at certain positions.

Last year there was a glut of guards and now there are too many fours and fives, but mostly fours.  The problem for Stevens, and he will be evaluated unfairly, is figuring out which guys are actually still here when Ainge finally decides “THIS is the team that is the next version of Celtics.”  Once there is stability in terms of setting a contending (or even quality) roster, then Stevens can establish a rotation.  Until then, his head must be spinning… because I know a lot of fans’ heads are.

Related links:

Boston Herald – Celtics earn time on floor

CSNNE – Five bigs, two spots: Stevens trying to make it work

On Page 2: Kobe fans are completely insane

If you thought Christmas was about peace on earth and goodwill towards men, you thought wrong. Today, we learned that Christmas is actually about making a 35-minute drive to Temecula, Calif., because some chump who was hating on Kobe Bryant on Twitter needs to catch the hands.

This is the story of @SnottieDrippen and @MyTweetsRealAF, two Twitter users who somehow found themselves spending Christmas arguing with each other about Kobe Bryant.

Deadspin – Twitter User Makes 35-Minute Drive To Fight Kobe Hater

If you spend any time on Twitter and follow the NBA (chances are you do if you read this blog) then you know how absolutely crazy Kobe fans can be.  I had this discussion with a friend of mine a while ago that there are Lakers fans and there are Kobe fans.  Kobe fans aren’t necessarily fans of the Lakers, but they are insanely over the top Kobe lovers.  They are crazy. They are insufferable. They cheer like mad when the guy makes a 12 foot jump shot. You could see any player in the league make a basic basketball play and you’ll get the standard applause. If it’s Kobe? These fans act like Moses has just returned, re-parted every body of water on Earth and smashed 10 new commandments in our faces that all stated “THOU SHALL BOW TO THE MAMBA ALL DAY” from 1-10.

This guy is a prime example of the Kobe acolytes.  Look, we all have our irrational love and appreciation for a team or player.  But these guys go way above and beyond anyone I’ve ever seen.  Yes, even more than Jordan.

The rest of the links:

CSNNE – Trade changes Jae Crowder’s Christmas plans | First round of NBA All-Star balloting released