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.

Marcus Smart could be back on the court sooner than expected. Last night’s game here against the Pistons was the 18th — and possibly last — game the second-year guard has missed with a bruised left knee sustained in a Nov. 20 win over Brooklyn.

According to Brad Stevens, Smart could be back in a limited role tonight when the Celtics host New York, but the coach cautioned that might be optimistic.

Herald: Smart’s return a possibility

If these were the Doc Rivers days, a cautious, optimistic, maybe play limited minutes declaration would ultimately lead to Smart starting and playing 30 minutes.

If the reports are right, we’re looking at Smart coming off the bench and playing about 8 minutes a half. And considering my steadfast belief that he should and will ultimately return to being a starter, the chances are good he’ll stay on the bench for good.

Whenever Smart is fully healthy and ready to play without any restrictions, I do like him as a starter more than any of the other guards because he’s the least reliable scorer… and the second unit needs scoring. Meanwhile, the starting unit needs a defensive stopper on the perimeter… so it makes the most sense to put Avery Bradley or Isaiah Thomas on the bench. Since the Celtics seem to have made their choice with Thomas, it looks like AB will be the guy to shift to the bench.

I wouldn’t have thought it would work out this way, but Bradley’s scoring is making him a viable candidate to lead the bench brigade. The Celtics need bench scoring… and suddenly Bradley’s a guy who can provide that. Couple that with his defense and he could change the complexion of the Celtics bench.

So Smart ultimately should start once he’s back to 100%. The process of getting to 100% might begin tonight.

Related links: Globe: Smart could return Sunday  |  MassLive: Smart could return Sunday

Page 2: Jerebko downplays his dagger

Asked to detail the final sequence, Jerebko minimized his part while noting, “I got the ball with a few seconds to go, and I shot it and I made it.” He acknowledged the size advantage on Detroit’s Steve Blake, but again downplayed his contribution to the sequence. To Jerebko, who has had too many shots bounce the wrong way this season, it still had to be satisfying to see one drop, particularly against the team that traded him away in February.

That he was even on the floor speaks to the value he has added to the Celtics since his arrival in a swap that sent Tayshaun Prince back to Detroit in February.

Coach Brad Stevens often leans on Jerebko in late-game situations because his size and versatility allows Boston to switch pick-and-rolls. Subbing for Jared Sullinger, Jerebko essentially served as the Celtics’ center, matching up with Andre Drummond, but was able to help prevent the Pistons from attacking the basket the way they did during a win over Boston in Detroit just 10 days ago.

ESPNBoston: Jerebko delivers dagger in Detroit

Jerebko can downplay things all he wants… I can see it in his face… he’s relieved when shots go in. I know he’s got the confidence to keep taking the shots, but when they start to fall after not going in for a while, any player will show signs of relief.

Look, these guys work hours a day on this stuff. I’m sure Jerebko is canning shots left and right in drills. He’s a good shooter… but he’s also playing a different style of basketball than he’s used to. Not many coaches have said turned to him in defensive situations. But here, on this team, that’s what gets him on the floor… his versatility and ability to guard different positions when they switch on D.

Yet offensively, he remains a threat. Everyone in the league knows what he’s capable of doing. I think the way he’s been used so far has cost his offense a bit. But as the season progresses, the hope is he’ll get more used to this role and the shot will start falling more often.

Last night his only basket was the most important one of the night for the Celtics. They trust him to be out there and to take those shots. They seem to be falling a bit more regularly lately… so let’s hope they continue to do so.

Relates links: CSNNE: Jerebko hits “big one” for C’s  |  MassLive: Analysis: Stopping Drummond, Jerebko’s dagger

And Finally…

In light of the recent chatter about Dwight Howard… I would like to simply share some of the words written by Gary Washburn in the Globe today

Now 30, Howard is slowing down, bothered by years of back and knee issues. He doesn’t have the offensive effectiveness of past years and his durability has waned. So, what happens when physically gifted players lose a step, are no longer able to soar as they once did or defend above the rim?

The piece goes on to show the slippage in Howard’s game. People hear the name and want to jump at the chance… I’m going to pass on Dwight. Whatever assets it took to get him would be better used elsewhere. Besides the clownish, boyish attitude, he’s just not worth the long-term investment at this point.

The rest of the links:

CSNNE: Johnson makes impact after 2-game absence  |  ESPN Boston: Celtics & Knicks hope they’re both on the climb  |  Herald: Celtics exact revenge at the palace