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.

A day after his name was being thrown around in trade speculation, Rajon Rondo was on a practice floor taking his most significant steps yet on the way back from ACL surgery. And, yes, he was wearing Celtics gear.

Steve Bulpett-Amid Rumors, Rajon Rondo Livens Up Practice

No Rondo trade rumors this morning. Just some good news as far as his rehab goes. During C’s practice in Houston yesterday, Rondo participated in some halfcourt 3-on-3, which he was given the ok for last week. He told the assembled media afterward that he’d been cleared for “a little bit” of 5-on-5 and that he is feeling better week to week.

“A little bit,” he said later when asked if he’d been given the OK to go 5-on-5.

Rondo added that he has yet to be given a set timetable for a return.

“But I can tell you I’m feeling a lot better,” he said. “I feel a lot better than I did last week.”

He continues to wear a brace on his right knee, but his movements did not appear to be hindered too badly by the device.

“He did a little bit more today, just putting himself in and out. He didn’t practice the entire time, but he did a lot of things, which was good,” said coach Brad Stevens.

As far as the rumors go, they’re certainly nothing new to the Celtics point guard, and at this point in his career, I doubt he’s too focused on them. For a competitor like Rondo, what’s most important to him at this moment is preparing himself mentally & physically for his return to the Celtics lineup. And if you think Jeff Green has had pressure on him this season, wait until Rajon returns. Much like Avery Bradley was dubbed “The Savior” by some last year, Rondo will most definitely be counted upon to “save” this team to some extent. Granted, expectations are much, much lower this season, but fans (like me) are hoping that Rajon will inject some excitement, competitive spirit, and most importantly, fun into what’s been mostly a downer of a season thus far.

As coach Brad Stevens told reporters on Monday, having Rondo around regardless of his actual physical participation can do nothing but help at this point-in many ways.

“Him just being around is a positive — you know, being loud, talking to guys, challenging guys, communicating with guys. It just makes us better when he’s around. And he’s been like that all the time, but certainly the more that he’s allowed to be involved with, the more that he does, the better we’re going to be. There’s no question about that.”

Page 2:  T.A. kicks CP3 in the head, gets ejected

In the first meeting between the Clippers and Grizzlies since last year’s exciting and heated playoff series, things got a bit ugly near the end of the first quarter. Tony Allen was whistled for a flagrant two foul and subsequently ejected for kicking Chris Paul in the head/neck:

The Grizzlies went on to win 106-102 and have now won 3 in a row. The loss was the Clippers’ first at Staples Center this season.

The rest of the links: Herald: High Price Of Rajon Rondo|

ESPN Boston: Power Rankings-C’s At Number 27|Navigating Rumor Season|

CSNNE: With Rondo Out Pressey Trying To Make Impression|Celtics Brushing Off Rondo Rumors|

NY Post: Pierce Refuses To Meet With Media| NBA.com: Celtics Sport VU Player Tracking Numbers|