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.

Like a lot of other guys, Boston Celtics big man David Lee like more playing time.

During a recent interview with the Boston Globe, the veteran said he has met with head coach Brad Stevens about the amount of minutes he has received.

“I don’t accept (it), it’s very frustrating, and the moment you start to accept it is when (you’ve) kind of stopped trying,” Lee told the Globe’s Gary Washburn. “While Coach can make any decision whom he wants to start or bring off the bench, my goal is to be a guy who’s playing 20, 25 minutes, and I’ve had a meeting with Coach and told him that

Mass Live: Boston Celtics’ David Lee frustrated with playing time, but might not deserve more minutes

In this very space last week, Jae Crowder’s comments about minutes inconsistencies led off as he urged the Cs coaching staff to figure out a rotation and stick with it. This week, it’s David Lee masking his frustration in an unending process of putting in hardwork. It’s true, he should keep on “trying” but that’s not from where his frustration stems. It comes from spending nearly a full calendar year as a bit piece on two younger teams after being a fringe all-star and a centerpiece on most of his teams throughout the majority of his career.

This is what happens when players lose “it.” They fight it, they plead with their coaches for more time and then comes the acceptance (unless you’re Kobe Bryant). David Lee came to the Celtics in a swap with the Warriors that included Gerald Wallace. There was never a chance of Wallace logging minutes for the Warriors after coming off two seasons in which he played sparingly for the Cs. Wallace was a former all-star whose athleticism quickly diminished. He became a 12th-man, NBA sage whose greatest use on the Celtics was to impart wisdom on a very young team.

The trade this summer gave Cs fans hope that Lee could do what Wallace couldn’t: turn back the clock and contribute consistently at or near his previous all-star level. It hasn’t happened so far, and even though there have been flashes of Lee’s smooth passing and controlled finishing at the rim, the numbers don’t lie:

By far, Lee has the worst net rating among Boston regulars. The Celtics have been about 10 points per 100 possessions worse with Lee on the court, and are getting outscored by 3.2 points per 100 possessions during his playing time. Basically, they have behaved like a peripheral contender without him, but a lottery team with him. According to NBA.com, Lee lineups have posted an anemic 95.3 offensive rating, which would be last in the league if the Philadelphia 76ers didn’t exist.

Gerald Wallace begrudgingly accepted his role at the end of the Celtics’ bench. Perhaps we’re headed that way with David Lee, or perhaps he’ll be gone before we ever get to find out.

On page 2: Alvin Gentry: Perk’s “the best teammate I’ve ever seen”

Perkins has always been a physical, in-your-face kind of player whose toughness has never been questioned.

That mentality is part of what Gentry believes can be instilled in the Pelicans’ franchise big man, Anthony Davis.

“He’s a great mentor for AD,” Gentry said of Perkins. “He’s a great mentor for our team. We got a pretty quiet team. So to have an outspoken voice …”

Perkins is uh, a little more than just an outspoken voice, coach.

“That would be the understatement of the year,” Gentry chuckled.

Perkins has talked about the importance of sacrifice and understanding one’s role as essential building blocks towards any team having great success.

“He’s not afraid to challenge,” Gentry said. “And guys know, it’s always about the team. He’s not the same player, but he’s the same worker.

CSNNE: Ex-Celtic Kendrick Perkins’ injury healing quickly

Eight years removed from winning an NBA championship as a 24-year-old with the Celtics, Kendrick Perkins NBA skills have completely eroded, and while he’ll be remembered around these parts as an NBA champion, he’ll be remembered at his other stops as the consummate teammate. He’s a classic: “love him if he’s on my team, but hate him if he’s not.” Remember back to game four of the playoffs last season when he was lustily booed by Celtic fans at the Garden?

Perk won’t hit the court tonight as he deals with an injury (and a general lack of basketball skills at this point in his career), but it’s pretty cool to hear Alvin Gentry, a well-traveled, NBA-lifer, refer to Perk as the greatest teammate he’s seen. I’d call it the KG effect. Spend enough time with Garnett early in your career and you take the best pieces of him with you. Unless you’re Patrick O’Bryant. Then he haunts your dreams.

And finally, Larry Legend speaks on Steph

Larry Bird on Dan Patrick Show when asked who was a better clutch shooter between Bird and Steph Curry: “Dan. (Long pause.) Come on man. “

— Sam Amico (@AmicoHoops) December 7, 2015

Come on, NBA. All-star weekend, Curry vs. Bird in a game of HORSE with only jump shooting allowed. Let’s see it.

Rest of the links: Globe – Defense has been bright spot for Boston Celtics early in season | CSNNE – Celtics quarterly grades  | Mass Live – David Lee injury update: Boston Celtics big man not sure how much time he will miss