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.

“You’d like it to be October 1 and never change,” he said after yesterday’s session. “You realize that that’s not always the case. So for us as we get through the end of this week and get more crisp in what we do, get better in what we do, by the time the weekend’s over, we want to be full speed ahead.”

The club practiced yesterday and will do so again tonight at the Garden for season ticket-holders before taking the weekend off. Then they will get back at it Monday and Tuesday before flying out on the latter.

“It’s a mix of taking the appropriate time off and getting off your feet and getting your mind clear and being ready to go,” said Stevens, “and then also getting everything ironed out that we need to get ironed out to be ready for the start of the season. It’s the last time we get to practice for a while.”

Herald:  C’s pump brakes before long trip

This is it…

After an open practice tonight for season ticket holders, the Celtics get to take a couple of days off, get their minds and bodies right (as much as the latter is possible for some guys), and get ready for the regular season.   In five days, the games matter.

Two guys who need the weekend off are Gerald Wallace and Vitor Faverani.  Both missed practice yesterday to rest some owies… which we hope will be something we can still joke about later.  Faverani’s back is bothering him, so we’re waiting for the result of an MRI there, and Wallace has already gotten a cortisone shot in his left ankle,  and was seen walking around in a protective boot.

Jared Sullinger’s looking to move forward from what he called a “rough” camp.

“I’ve still got a lot more work to do,” said Sullinger, who is due in Waltham District Court on Monday for a hearing after being charged with assaulting his girlfriend, Deann Smith, on Aug. 31. “It’s not going to happen overnight. I’ve just got to keep plugging, keep pushing and just keep playing ball.

“I’d rather have practice right now. Once the games start, they’re going to keep going, so right now, I’m going to enjoy these couple of days of practice and keep it moving.

“It’s been a long year for me, going from playing to back surgery to just trying to get healthy from there. Being out for six months and not playing basketball, it’s really tough.”

I like that he’s being so tough on himself.  He obviously needs to get back into NBA shape, but he’s also been one of the Celtics’ best performers this preseason.

A few guys who won’t be practicing on Monday: DeShawn Sims, Damen Bell-Holter, and Kammron Taylor.  They’ve all been cut.  Chris Babb is still on the roster, but he won’t be for long.  Good luck, fellas.

Related links:  CSNNE:  Sullinger looks to move on from up and down preseason  |  ESPN Boston:  Faverani gets MRI on sore back  |  Wallace gets cortisone shot, wears boot

Page 2:  Ainge is proud of Rondo

“I think [Rondo is] doing great,” said Ainge. “I think he’s working as hard as he can. I’ve been very proud of him of how he really wants to get out there and I think he wants to get out there, not for his own benefit, but he wants to really help the team. He sees how he’s missed and he just loves to play. He wants to get back for all the right reasons.”

Asked if he still envisioned Rondo as the centerpiece for Boston’s rebuilding process, Ainge offered a firm, “Absolutely.”

ESPN Boston: Ainge very proud of Rondo’s rehab

How many times are we going to ask Ainge this friggin’ question?  The answer from Ainge and Stevens from the beginning of this preseason has been the same: Rondo’s our guy, Rondo’s our leader, he’s been great, and we’re building around him.

That’s it. End of story.  Good night.

Even if you think the team is feeding the media a pile of shit, they’re not going to say differently.  Personally, I love what I’ve seen so far.  I don’t know if it’s Rondo taking the challenge and rising to it, I don’t know if it’s a needed fresh start from Doc Rivers, and I don’t know if it’s a humbling due to the injury and all the “are they better without Rondo?” talk from last year, but whatever it is, Rondo’s been great this preseason.  It’s hard to ask for more out of a player in this situation.

Of course, there will be obstacles and frustration.  With the season that is about to be unleashed upon us, that’s just going to be part of the deal.  But if Rondo can handle that with the poise he’s shown so far, the team will be alright.

The rest of the links:

CSNNE:  Final preseason grades:  Wallace leads the way  |  Babb looking to fit in wherever he can  |  ESPN Boston:  Doc: LeBron criticism off base  |   5-on-5: 2013-14 outlook  |  Celtics.com:  Pressey has flashes of Rondo in his game