SH Blog: the latest news and information around the NBA

Fresh off his twitter ranting this weekend, Kobe Bryant has made it known that he is out of his cast and ready to start rehab on his torn Achilles. More from Eric Pincus of the Los Angeles Times: “The initial prognosis for his return is six to nine months after surgery. Both theLakers and Bryant hope he’ll be available in time for training camp. Recovering from such a significant injury may delay his return and diminish Bryant’s athleticism. The Lakers owe him $30.5 million in salary for next season.

Cast off today. I have zero swelling and virtually no pain. Boot now for a few months. I start therapy… http://t.co/ToPmebEI1A

Kobe Bryant

According to Gary Graves of KFVS12, Kentucky forward Nerlens Noel continues to make small steps toward recovering from his torn ACL injury, and plans to play in the NBA this season: “Nerlens Noel continues to take small steps toward returning to the court following surgery on his left knee. He’s shed his crutches and exercising without a knee brace. Though he wouldn’t specify want types of exercises, it’s all all signs his recovery is ahead of schedule – and each stride is important with the NBA draft looming. Noel said Tuesday that he’s “doing good” after the March 12 operation to repair a torn anterior cruciate ligament. The 6-foot-10 center expects to return to the court by Christmas, a long road back likely to involve countless hours rehabbing in an NBA facility.”

One player that may not play in the NBA next season (and not because of injury) is Miami’s Shane Larkin. Larkin is torn on whether to declare for the draft or return to school. More from Jorge Milian of the Palm Beach Post: “University of Miami point guard Shane Larkin is “torn” about leaving school but is leaning toward skipping his final two seasons and entering the NBA Draft, a source within the basketball program said. Larkin, the ACC Player of the Year after leading the Hurricanes to regular-season and conference tournament championships, is facing an NBA deadline of midnight Sunday to make his decision. He’s considered a late first-round pick by most draft analysts.”

Announced via Bobcats.com earlier today, the Charlotte Bobcats have fired head coach Mike Dunlap: “Charlotte Bobcats President of Basketball Operations Rod Higgins announced today that the team has relieved Mike Dunlap of his duties as head coach. The search for his successor will begin immediately. “Rich Cho and I conducted our season-ending review and met with Coach Dunlap to reflect on this season. As an organization, it was decided that we needed to make a change with the head coach position,” Higgins said. “We want to thank Mike for his contribution and wish him the best in his future endeavors.” Dunlap was hired as the fifth head coach in franchise history on June 20, 2012 and posted an overall record of 21-61.”