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.

“Marcus is probably playing as well in his role as he has all year,” Celtics coach Brad Stevens said. “He’s been in a lot of games at the end, especially games he’s playing well. He would probably say that he’s worked more deliberately and consistently than ever before. That’s obviously an emphasis, we talked about it at the beginning of the year. We thought coming in his shot was better than his percentages and we continue to think he’ll make shots. Balance is a big deal and shot selection in a big deal.”

Smart and Stevens have attributed better decision-making as a reason for his shooting ascension. A low point for Smart this season occurred in the second overtime of the Celtics’ loss to the Wizards on Dec. 8, following a Celtics timeout with Boston leading, 132-130, with 52.8 seconds left.

Just two seconds after the inbounds pass, Smart launched an ill-advised 26-footer that clanged off the rim and 20 feet away from the basket, allowing Bradley Beal to feed John Wall, who raced to the basket to complete a go-ahead 3-point play.

“I think it’s gotta be a collaborative effort,” Stevens said about shot selection. “I thought he was in position last year where [at Oklahoma State] he had to take a lot of tough shots because he had the ball late in the clock, so that’s going to drive your percentages down.

Globe: Marcus Smart’s development encouraging for Celtics

Smart came in with the rep for not being able to shoot, and there’s no doubt he’s silencing those critics. As Gary Washburn notes in the piece, Smart is shooting about 43% from 3 after his rough stay to the season from deep.

However, critics such as myself have a bigger issue. It’s not necessarily his ability to shoot the 3, it’s how often he takes them.

I spent a fair amount of the last Celtics Stuff Live lamenting Smart’s shot selection. His ultra-reliance on the 3 for his offense is a bit much for my tastes. About 67% of his shots come from beyond the arc. That’s about 18% more than Stephen Curry and only 5% less than Kyle Korver. There’s no way he should be that close to the man who only has that one job… or that far ahead of perhaps the best pure shooter in the league.

Settling for 3’s like this will make it impossible for him to be a full-time point guard. There’s no way to play pick and roll with a guy who isn’t a threat to drive. And there’s no way you can be a point guard without some ability to drive and dish.

Of course, that’s not to say he doesn’t have the ability to do so.  He’s a rookie, and there’s a ton of room for improvement. There’s no way in hell this is the finished product. It’s also entirely possible the Celtics are encouraging to hoist 3’s at will so he can feel comfortable with them as part of his game. If he can be seen as a legitimate threat from long-range next season, then he can integrate the drive-and-dish game that will make the long jumper more dangerous. Essentially, the Celtics may be employing one long rope-a-dope strategy with Smart as a long-range bomber.

I know this is a 3-point league now, so I’m not expecting any mid-range game from Smart. His offense will always be 3-point heavy. I’m just maybe a little anxious for some more in-the-paint scoring from him. Or in-the-paint anything.

I guess we’ll see what the Celtics strategy is for Smart by who they pursue over the summer. If they make a big move for one of the available point guards, then we’ll know Smart’s going to be a primarily off-guard who’ll continue to be a shooter for the foreseeable future. If they don’t, then there’s a larger plan for Smart in place that will have to include a more well-rounded game.

It is very nice to see his shooting improving. It’s great to see him really progressing to fix a weakness. Now let’s hope he doesn’t fall in love with it so much that he doesn’t develop the rest of his game.

Page 2:  Kobe can’t name 5 current Celtics

Los Angeles Lakers star Kobe Bryant was asked if he could name five Celtics.

“Nope,” Bryant said with a laugh.

After a quick run-through of just some of the moves the C’s have made in the last couple of weeks, Bryant shook his head.

“Yeah, that’s strange to see,” he said, “but I guess it’s what they’ve got to do. What’s really weird is my kids, when we watch TV and we watch the games. They’ll see Kendrick Perkins and they’ll see Paul (Pierce) and see KG (Kevin Garnett) in different places, and they’ll be like, ‘Wait, what are they doing there?’ You know what I mean? It’s like really awkward. And it puts things in perspective, because I’m seeing things from their perspective.”

Herald: Celtics no stranger to change

You’re such a douche, Kobe.

There’s Smart, Jared Sullinger, Kelly Olynyk, Avery Bradley….

…. that guy… the one we all hate…. sometimes plays point guard.

There’s…. that guy we just traded for. With the hair.  Chowder-something.

And there’s that guy that shoots a lot… looks just like Gary Washburn.

Just STFU, Kobe.

And Finally

Caption this:

I’m going with…

“Brad, you’re such a fine young gentleman”

“Help, he’s touching my special area”

For those who don’t get that:

The rest of the links:

ESPN Boston – Celtics Mailbag: 18-month checkup

CSNNE – If signed, Dawkins will spend time with Red Claws | Source: NBA may modify rookie/sophomore game | Blakeley’s NBA Power Rankings: Hawks soar at No. 1

MassLive – Will LaMarcus Aldridge (thumb) miss meeting with Boston Celtics?