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.

That opportunity might come sooner rather than later. Boston waived David Lee, who was being used sparingly anyway toward the end of his time with the Green Team.

In addition, Kelly Olynyk’s right shoulder injury is expected to keep him out for another three weeks. His absence more so than Lee being waived, may land Mickey some playing time sooner rather than later.

At this point, Mickey isn’t overly concerned about playing time or anything like that.

“You have to be patient,” Mickey said. “That’s what I’m doing. I know I’m a young guy. I have to wait my time just like everyone else had to do.”

CSNNE: Could Mickey’s opportunity with Celtics be here?

Mickey still has a long way to go to becoming an NBA rotation player, but Olynyk’s absence might tell us more about exactly where he stands at the moment. But he’s rapidly earning Stevens’ trust.

“If the situation presents itself, I’m not afraid to use him,” said Stevens. “That’s for sure.”

And Mickey’s teammates are intrigued as well.

“Hopefully he’s ready for the opportunity if his opportunity does come,” said All-Star point guard Isaiah Thomas. “I know he works tremendously hard and, when he does practice with us, he plays very well. He’s going to be a good player in this league. Like I said, I think he’ll be ready for his chance when his name is called.”

ESPN Boston: Planes and hype trains for rookie Jordan Mickey

Jordan Mickey was a topic of conversation on the new Rainin’ J’s podcast and Jay King and I both think it’s time to get a look at Mickey in some actual game situations to see where he is in his development.

The team is excited to get a look at him at the NBA level. And if for some reason you’re not sure about why, have a look at some of his D-League highlights.

The blocked shot at the :24 mark is pretty sick. To switch hands in mid-air like that? That’s not something you see many people do.

Of course, as I always say, D-League success doesn’t equal NBA success. NBA players can move a bit faster and jump a bit higher than those guys he’s blocking in Portland. But we did see him block a couple of shots at the end of the Jazz game, so the Celtics might as well give him a few minutes, starting this afternoon, with some of the regular rotation guys.

Mickey has also been working on expanding his range. He’s only shot 6 of 18 from 3 this season, good for 33%. If he’s in there for some of Olynyk’s minutes, it’ll be interesting to see if he’s dared to shoot… and if he can make that shot.

The Celtics don’t have much to lose here. If Mickey is overwhelmed, then you pull him from the game. If it costs them a win or two, so be it. This season’s results are gravy, and getting a look at a guy who could be a valuable rotation player is much more important.

With guys like Jared Sullinger and Tyler Zeller approaching restricted free agency, and Amir Johnson heading into a non-guaranteed year, it’s important to get all the information you can on a potential replacement. If nothing else, the Celtics will learn what Mickey needs to work on, and Mickey will get more used to the NBA game speed.

Now’s the time to do these things. Olynyk is out and Lee is gone. It costs the C’s nothing to get the look, so let’s see what the kid can do.

Page 2: David Lee will be a Maverick

David Lee is expected to sign with Dallas for the room exception of $2.1 million once he clears waivers, league sources tell The Vertical.

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) February 20, 2016

The Celtics own Dallas’ pick this year if it’s not in the top 7. The Mavs are 29-27, good for the 6th seed in the West… BUT… they’re just one game ahead of the 9th seed Utah Jazz.

So it’s time to do your dirty work, David Lee, and go make your biggest contribution to Boston yet… by making the Mavericks worse, plunging them into the lottery, and snagging that best-case-scenario 8th pick for the Celtics.

I have faith in you, David.

By the way, if this does happen, will the Mavs ever deal with any former Celtics ever again?

Related links: MassLive: Lee reportedly plans to sign with Mavs

The rest of the links:

Herald: Loss puts Celtics in foul mood  |  Clippers’ Crawford is Isaiah’s #1 fan

CSNNE: Stevens: Celtics “as close to 2nd as we are to 9th” |  Ask Scal: What’s Jae Crowder’s ceiling?  |  Celtics will need to overcome injuries coming out of break