I love Isaiah Thomas’ hustle on and off the court. pic.twitter.com/arm5e9OOwv

— James Toscano (@Jimmy_Toscano)
//platform.twitter.com/widgets.jsJune 24, 2015

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.

Thomas, who was traded to the Celtics at the trade deadline, has quickly become a fan favorite in Boston. The feeling seems to be mutual, too, as Thomas has appeared very happy with his new team and city and has gone on the record to say that he’s going to try to recruit more players to come to the Celtics over the offseason. There was some thought that Thomas and Cousins weren’t on the best of terms, but it doesn’t appear that way now.

CSNNE Isaiah Thomas has ushered in a new era of player recruiting via social media. He’s doing it nice and sly but not in any big secretive way. Despite what you heard about Boogie and Isaiah before, it’s apparent any tension that may have existed is over. Even little things like Cousins posting an Instagram pic for people to follow Thomas after joining is a little sign that they’re cool. And when your current coach reportedly wants to get rid of you to get his old team back together… well… it’s a little easier to bury past differences.

But, as has been said in the past, it’s hard to imagine the Celtics have the assets to land Cousins. But people still love him, and Isaiah Thomas is making the big pitch, so we’ll continue to see who’s blowing smoke in Sacramento. As Chuck and I discussed offline after yesterday’s news, we might be entering a time where the Kings will be forced to choose between George Karl and Cousins. Their relationship may be beyond repair, especially when Boogie’s online response in the middle of the rumors was to tweet a snake in the grass.

— DeMarcus Cousins (@boogiecousins) June 23, 2015

//platform.twitter.com/widgets.jsSo someone is going to have to go… but let’s not discount the possibility that it’s Karl instead of Cousins.

Related links:

ESPN Boston: Thomas to Cousins: “If they don’t want you…”  |  MassLive: Thomas sends Cousins Instagram message

Page 2: Is Sam Dekker the best pick at 16? (And what about Upshaw?)

Analysis: Celtics fans are rightfully stoked that this year’s squad made the playoffs. But it came at a huge price. There are 10 to 12 real difference-makers in this draft, and the Celtics fell to No. 16. If it cost them a chance at a rim protector like Cauley-Stein or Turner, or an upgrade at small forward like Winslow or Hezonja, this year’s run hurt the franchise in the long-term. I’m not sure exactly where to take the Celtics here, but given their need at small forward, I think Dekker is worth a shot. He’s big, athletic and while he’s not a lights-out shooter, I do think he can improve.

ESPN (Insider): Chad Ford “Grade A” mock draft 2.0

Dekker seems to be the draft’s biggest wildcard. People aren’t exactly sure where to slot him. He doesn’t seem to be a lottery pick anymore, with most people projecting him to be just outside the lottery to somewhere in the 20’s.

People saw Dekker get hot in March, and that’s formed some pretty strong opinions, but there are still serious questions about his game and making the leap to the NBA. Getting hot and spending 82 games consistently hitting shots are to wildly different things. And is he ready to defend as an NBA forward?

Speaking of which, Ford also suggests the Celtics take a run at Washington big man Robert Upshaw… a super-talented guy who has, as Ford puts it succinctly, “major off-the-court red flags.”  Those red flags are drugs and alcohol.

To get to the root of Upshaw’s issues is to accept an invitation to an uncomfortable conversation. It starts with the delicacy of addiction and the trouble that can come when youth basketball players get too much too fast. It’s about failed second chances and the acceptance of one’s own problems. It’s not about basketball so much as it is the every day struggles of humanity.

“It’s been a long process,” Upshaw said at the draft combine. “I’ve had a lot of education around drugs and alcohol. A lot of things I’ve been through, I haven’t kept them a secret. I’ve just been working on myself with a team of people that are close to me to have structure and success at the next level.”

So on the one hand you’ve got a 7-footer with the ability to block a lot of shots. On the other, you’ve got a kid who’s struggled with addiction and has been kicked off major basketball programs.

My heart feels for Upshaw and hopes he can get his act together. Addiction is a terrible disease, and I’m rooting for him to overcome that. Unfortunately, professional sports are notorious for the lack of compassion. If you don’t fit a team’s needs anymore, you’re scraped into the trash heap like last night’s leftovers.

All that being said, if Upshaw is available when the Celtics pick in the second round, the risk/reward shifts greatly. A non-guaranteed contract, good team structure with a coach great at connecting with his players, and a chance at redemption could all add up to something positive for Upshaw and the Celtics. Maybe he can be this year’s Draymond Green… a pick made in the 30’s that ends up being indispensable.

Either way, here’s hoping the kid gets his life together.

The rest of the links:

Globe: Ainge says Celtics looking to move up in the draft  |  Herald: Celtics took shots on Bird, Ainge  |  Celtics expect busy night  |  CSNNE: Celtics not afraid to make big trade if needed |  Pool of potential Celtics deep as ever  |  Could Celtics land Butler, Aldridge, or Monroe  |  ESPN Boston:  Ainge: No such thing as untouchables  |  WEEI Draft prospect profiles: Stanley Johnson  |  Michael Qualls |  Jonathan Holmes  | Mannix: I’d be surprised if the Celtics didn’t get into the top 10  |  MassLive: 10 long-range shooters to watch