Report: Team USA's Kyrie Irving to start over Derrick Rose vs. Finland
Kyrie Irving will start at point guard against Finland on Sunday in Team USA's first game of the FIBA Basketball World Cup, according to ESPN's Marc Stein.
Irving started this week in the U.S.'s final pre-tournament exhibition against Slovenia, scoring 13 points and recording two assists in 24 minutes. Derrick Rose registered three points and an assist in 20 minutes.
Cleveland Cavaliers' Kyrie Irving needed help being a leader
U.S. coach Mike Krzyzewski said last week he's considering rotating Irving and Rose as the starter throughout the World Cup, but that he could see the two playing together. Rose has missed most of the past two NBA seasons due to two severe knee injuries.
The other guards on Team USA's 12-man roster are Stephen Curry, DeMar DeRozan, James Harden and Klay Thompson.
MAHONEY: Rose struggles, Davis shines in Team USA's exhibition victory over Slovenia
The World Cup, which is being held in Spain, runs through Sept. 14. The other members of the U.S.'s group besides Finland are Turkey, the Dominican Republic, New Zealand and Ukraine.
- Chris Johnson
