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.

As part of two 20-point wins to open the preseason, Boston has fueled itself on defense. According to Synergy Sports’ defensive data, the Celtics have allowed a measly 0.729 points per play defended, which is 0.222 points per play better than their final mark from last season.

Make no mistake, that number is certain to climb. But there are positives to pluck from that small sample. Boston’s renewed aggression, whether it’s putting more pressure on the ball or attacking pick-and-rolls, has manifested itself in opponents’ averaging 28 turnovers per game. Those same opponents are shooting just 40.4 percent and have scored on only 34.2 percent of total possessions thus far (that number was 45.1 percent over the course of last year’s regular season).

ESPN Boston – Can the Boston Celtics play top-10 defense?

Chris Forsberg is right — the ridiculous defensive stats we can pull from the first two preseason games are certain to climb. Even if these stats came from games against the Thunder and Spurs, they’d still be certain to climb. But so far, actually being able to see the changes is where the potential for a top-ten defense lies. Bradley and Smart’s activity above and around the arc has been as good as advertised. Guys who aren’t known for their ability to guard or steal have been committing and succeeding in it, and the team’s approach already seems to be understood throughout most of the roster.

Rim protection is still the gaping hole in the defense, and likely the reason the team won’t reach the top-ten echelon, but there’s always a chance Ainge addresses that through trade. Faverani showed his shot-blocking skill set early last season, but he’s been injured, had a bad summer and for a while, it’s seemed like he isn’t even on the team. Without him, Zeller remains our only semi-capable rim protector, and unfortunately, nobody has looked worse so far.

The good news, is even with our lack of a shot-blocker, we’re still waiting for Rondo and Green to return. I’ve actually enjoyed watching the roster and different lineup combinations Stevens creates with Rondo and Green out, but they are two of our best players. With Rondo spending the summer working out with Brad, it’s safer to assume he has a solid grasp on what his coach is trying to do defensively. With Green, we’ll get back often-needed size at the wing positions.

The Celtics play the Raptors tonight, which marks the first decent team we’ll have faced so far. Maybe Toronto shoots us back down to earth again, or maybe it’ll be the first legitimate check mark that this team can defend.

Page 2: Stevens doesn’t want to over isolate on offense

It remains to be seen if Jared Sullinger’s 3-for-3 performance from downtown on Wednesday night was a sign of clear improvement for the Celtics forward. But as Stevens tries to find an acceptable balance between the perimeter and the post in Sullinger’s game, expect the big man to keep spotting up.

“In post-up and isolation situations, there are a couple of guys who are good at it. It’s not an unbelievable way to score,” said Stevens. “We just have to find those matchups, because then (Sullinger is) great, with great touch around the basket. You can also do cuts off the post and actions off the post.

“But one thing I don’t want to do is isolate ourselves in the post with 15 (seconds) on the shot clock. We need to either get it in and make cuts off of it and score it, or move it and then get it in.”

Boston Herald – Celtics Notebook: Evan Turner best on wing or at point?

Pretty sure most fans would agree here. Sullinger can score on his post-up fadeaway, but with the offense looking so good so far, emphasis on movement should continue to be key. That becomes even more true if he can legitimately knock down the three. Hanging out around the three-point line isn’t always what you want out of your power forward, but if it fits into the motion of the offense, then I’d have no problem.

The rest of the links:

ESPN Boston: Practice: Frustrated Green sits out again

Celticsblog: James Young’s improved footwork will help Boston

Grantland: NBA Windows: The Ricky Rubio Spiritual Trade Machine