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.

But Rondo said he doesn’t believe he needs to hear any reassurances from Ainge about his role on the Celtics.

“No. That’s fine,” Rondo said, adding, “I don’t have too many feelings involved in this business. I’ve played my heart out for the game, but business is business. I can be here today, gone tomorrow. You never know. For me to get bent out of shape, or to feel threatened by the Celtics drafting a point guard, it means nothing.”

If anything, Rondo might just be used to any uncertainty, or alleged uncertainty, about his position with the Celtics, as he has been surrounded by almost daily trade rumors for years.

Beyond that, though, Rondo said he likes the players the team drafted.

“I think we got some good picks, some really good picks,” Rondo said. “What I like about Smart is that he competes. He kind of reminds me [of myself]. I like the guys that compete and remind me of myself, guys like [Kendrick Perkins]. That’s not to say that nobody on the team this year didn’t compete. Avery [Bradley] is one of the best competitors that we have in this league.

“But not a lot of young guys come in and you can get that feel right away that they will compete. So I think that’s a big pickup for us in that aspect. I think having a guy on the wing that will defend along with Avery and myself, and has a lot more size and strength, that will be big.

“And then Young, I’ve been watching him since he played at Kentucky [Rondo’s alma mater]. He’s a knockdown shooter. I’ve heard that he’s even a better shooter than what we’ve seen in the games.

“It’ll be fun to get to practice with both these guys, to get to know them, to get a feel for them, what they like to do, where they like the ball, and just continue to grow.”

Boston Globe – Rajon Rondo appears comfortable with Celtics drafting a point guard

So while everyone was waiting to see what Rajon Rondo himself thought of the C’s drafting a point guard, well there you have it. Rondo has spoken and can we say we’re surprised by this? This is exactly the kind of reaction I’d expect from him and would you want anything different? Rondo has continued to do and say all the right things, but has still been himself, which is entertaining and far better than the majority of cliche-laced athletes. But based on what we’ve seen thus far in summer league, Rondo is going to have a difficult time making this bunch look good.

The majority of these guys likely won’t be on the regular roster (and Rondo could possibly not be on it as well), then again who knows what that will look like come September. It seems illogical and irrational to deal Rondo right now (if that is the end game here). Danny Ainge is better off by having Rondo play at least half of the season to up his trade value. Reading those quotes above, it sure sounds like a guy who plans on being here (but is clearly ready for anything, hence business being business). Rondo wasn’t phased by the likes of LeBron James, Carmelo Anthony, or Kobe Bryant standing in his way on the court, on the game’s biggest stage, in the playoffs and the Finals. Clearly he’s not threatened by this scenario either, and is actually looking to do what he can to help the team out as best he can. Not sure you can ask much more from him at this point. There’s still a lot of time left in the summer, which brings us to…

Page 2: Ainge is still working to acquire Love

However, a league source said Monday that president of basketball operations Danny Ainge is attempting to gather assets to acquire Kevin Love, convinced he can devise a package that would entice Minnesota Timberwolves president Flip Saunders to move the three-time All-Star, who will be a free agent next season.

Ainge admitted that things have been quiet so far, and of course was reluctant to discuss anything dealing with free agency.

“You never know what to expect,” he said Monday as the Celtics dropped their summer league contest to the Pacers. “When you have conversations, I have a great deal of respect in the league and what they’re all trying to accomplish. I don’t know what’s going to shake out when it’s all said and done.”

Boston Globe – Danny Ainge still working on acquiring Kevin Love

So if you’re Ainge and you’re still trying to come up with some crazy FrankenTrade to get Kevin Love, are you looking to trade Rondo? Probably not. Ainge could be trying to obtain Lance Stephenson to flip him to, well Flip, for Love. Or he could have signed Avery Bradley to that deal last week because Indiana wants him to replace Lance at a cheaper rate. Also, isn’t it just like an Ainge move to hold James Young out of summer league so he doesn’t make his injury worse, thus effecting a possible trade? Either way, Ainge is clearly still in his lab trying to concoct something.

And Finally… Paul Pierce is back at the Poker table

“[The WSOP Main Event] is one of the great events around the world where people try to show their poker skills. Me, myself, I feel like I’m one of the great poker players you’ve never heard of … in the poker world,” Pierce told pokernews.com on Monday.

NJ.com – Nets free agent Paul Pierce is playing in World Series of Poker Main Event

While it’s been rumored that living Celtics legend Paul Pierce wants to return for another two years and roughly $18 million, in the meantime he’s taking his free agent non-hoops talent to the Poker table in hopes of winning some cash (and the tournament of course. Good luck P, hope you do better than last time.