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.

On face value the designation is unusual, but the NBA has dubbed Evan Turner this season’s “Mr. Average” for reasons other than the swingman’s game.

It’s Turner’s vital stats — 6-foot-7, 220 pounds, 27 years old, playing in his sixth season — that comes closest in the league’s roster survey to average player demographics in terms of age (26.88), experience (4.96 seasons), height (6-foot-7.17) and weight (221.88).

In his last two games, Turner had 16 points and six rebounds against Washington, and 11-4-4 against Indiana.

“Two nights in a row — he played very well in Indiana,” said coach Brad Stevens. “Evan is an extremely reliable person. He comes to work, he maintains a good attitude, he’s a teammate, he has a lot of good qualities. It doesn’t surprise me when he has a good night, but it’s always good to have that night to feel better about yourself.”

Herald: Turner not your average forward

This is the part of my day where I say nice things about Evan Turner.

There are nights where he’s pretty good. He’s been pretty good the past two games, and, if he can be used the right way, he has a place on the second unit.

I just don’t like him very much off the ball.  And yes, he has a tendency to dribble the ball a bit too much when he has it, but he can also make plays for others and the Celtics do have a bit of a deficiency in that particular area. So some of us are going to have to live with the bad because sometimes he’s going to be good.

I still wouldn’t mind if RJ Hunter got some of ET’s minutes. But… I’m saying nice things about Turner, so I’ll just stop there.

Related links: CSNNE: Turner steps up again with Smart out

Page 2: Sully explains the outlet pass from his ass

“Honestly, as I was rolling over like a bear, I just seen this little guy open around the free throw line,” Sullinger explained. “And that roll kind of carried the momentum of the ball and Isaiah laid it up. Me being this big and weighing about as much as a grizzly bear, it was just natural.”

Globe: Jared Sullinger giving it his best shot

Say what you will about Sully… he’s got a good sense of humor about everything.

He’ll probably come back to earth a little, but I think he’s muscled his way into the starting lineup. There’s no reason now to move away from Sullinger as a starter.

Jay King and I tackle this topic in the new Rainin’ J’s podcast (publishing later) so I won’t give away the whole discussion… but a fully healthy Celtics starting lineup is probably going to be Marcus Smart, Avery Bradley, Jae Crowder, Amir Johnson, and Jared Sullinger. I’m comfortable with that.

And Finally…

… the Globe made a new “50 greatest players in NBA history” list… and they put Paul Pierce at 49.

49. Paul Pierce — Perhaps Pierce would not have been a candidate for this list several years ago, but the Celtics’ resurgence and his ability to hit big shots and score at will without great athleticism make him an all-time great. Now in his 18th season, Pierce has scored more than 25,000 points, has been named to All-Star teams 10 times, and is fourth all-time in 3-point field goals.

Love it. I feel like Pierce has been underrated his whole career. I’m glad he’s getting his due.

The rest of the links

CSNNE: Olynyk finds his groove  |  Herald: Bird feels growing pains of Ainge, Celtics  |  ProJo: Crowder says knee injury is nothing to worry about  |  CBS: Olynyk busts out of slump at perfect time for Celtics