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 celebrating his 28th birthday on Thursday, Boston Celtics forward Jeff Green announced he’ll make a $1 million donation to the Georgetown athletic department for the John R. Thompson Jr. Intercollegiate Athletics Center.

“I’m very fortunate to be in a position to give back to the University and to the program that has done so much for me,” Green said in a release from the school. “The environment created by Coach [John] Thompson III and his staff helped shape me both academically and athletically. Georgetown and Georgetown basketball is at my core and is part of who I am.”

ESPN Boston:  Green donates $1 million to Hoyas

That’s an amazing donation to his alma mater.  This is a young man who will have made $40 million by the end of this season, and has $9 million more coming to him if he decides to play out his contract.  At 28, he’s at peak physical ability and, provided he stays healthy, is still a good enough player in the NBA to command a raise… especially when the salary cap increases significantly in a couple of years.

So the million is probably no big deal to him, especially since it doesn’t seem like he’s the Allen Iverson travel-with-a-posse type of big spender.  I doubt we’ll see him at the high-roller tables in Vegas.

On an unrelated note, I’d like to announce I’m legally changing my name to  “John R. Thompson Jr. Intercollegiate Athletics Center.”   Expect a call from my lawyers, Mr. Green.

Also, Red’s Army would like to announce a donation to the school that prepared me and Chuck for a long-life as low-paid bloggers, while honoring our legacy there, by creating the “Emerson College Chinese Food And Beer Fund For Late Night Video Game Players Who Didn’t Get Laid Again.”

Yes, the ECCFBFFLNVGPWDGLA will provide much-needed greasy appetizers like crab rangoon, beef teriyaki, egg rolls, and Natural Light (domestic light beers only!  What do you think, we’re an SB Nation blog or something?) for those guys who, on Friday nights, are stuck in their dorm rooms playing XBox, “until she calls like she said she would.”

It’s the least we can do to give back, and inspire the next generation of Emersonians to half-heartedly chase their dreams of covering professional sports for a living.

Related links:  CSNNE:  Green donates $1 million to Georgetown

Page 2:  Marcus Smart wants to be a respected shooter

Dime:And back to your shooting. Is that something that you’ve approached this summer as one of the things you really wanted to improve on?
MS: Definitely. You know, I’ve been in the gym working and I think it’s showing out here. I’m trying to become more consistent and become a respected shooter where guards have to respect me and have to go over the screens instead of under.

Dime:What has been your favorite moment of Team USA minicamp so far?
MS: Just these scrimmages, man. It’s been fun going up against these guys. You learn a lot and you learn hands on (in these situations), so that’s always a good thing.

Dime:  Q&A with Marcus Smart

The Celtics drafting of Smart immediately called into question the status of Rajon Rondo. But there might not be a guy more suited for the title of “combo guard” than Smart.  Considering his strength and defensive ability, I like him at the two more than I do at the 1.

And since his shooting was one of the weak spots in his game, it’s nice to see that be the heavy focus for him as he heads into the NBA.  It’s going to take time for Smart to make his adjustment to the NBA game, but his inclusion on the USA Select team has been a huge boost for his development.  How many rookies can scrimmage against the NBA’s best players for weeks before they even get to their first official team workout?

I haven’t heard much negative about this kid.  He seems to be really working hard and is preparing himself as best he can for this next step.  I’m excited to see what he can do.

And Finally…

For those of you dying for some kind of basketball to watch, here’s the schedule for the FIBA world cup of basketball on NBA TV.  Several games are on tape delay, but many are also live.  Play begins tomorrow at noon eastern with France vs. Brazil.

Oh, and don’t forget to enter out SkinIt contest!  Follow the link for details… but a picture of you in Celtics gear can win you Celtics skins for your laptop, tablet, or smartphone!