Rudy Gay has been invited to join Team USA after Kevin Durant pulled out last week citing being "physically and mentally drained" in preparation for the upcoming the FIBA World Cup.

In an official statement released, USA Basketball Chair Jerry Colangelo announced Friday the inclusion of Gay into the lineup. Gay will join the 15 other NBA players vying for a slot in the national team that will compete in Spain later this month.

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Gay is seen to fill in the spot left by Paul George who suffered a freak injury during a scrimmage.

Gay will be going up against Kenneth Faried, Mason Plumlee, Chandler Parsons, Gordon Hayward and Kyle Korver for the more sizeable and stronger power forward position to represent the country.

If size does really matter, the 6-foot-11 Plumlee has the advantage since he can also play center as well. He would have no problems moving down to the power forward position especially with the presence of big men DeMarcus Cousins and Andre Drummond.

Faried of the Denver Nuggets averaged 8.6 rebounds last season and is certainly a contender to fill the spot.

DeMar DeRozan, Gay's former teammate with the Toronto Raptors, is also a contender.

The team is scheduled to fly off to Spain on Aug. 23 but U.S. basketball officials can have the option of bringing all 16 players and decide later on the final 12-man lineup that will be submitted to FIBA on the eve of the tournament's opening day on Aug. 30.

TagsPaul George, Kevin Durant, Mason Plumlee, Chandler Parsons, Kyle Korver, Gordon Hayward, Andre Drummond