Kevin Love is one step closer to playing for the U.S. in the world championships.

The Minnesota Timberwolves forward is among 15 finalists for the 12-man roster that will compete Aug. 28 to Sept. 12 in Ankara, Istanbul, and Izmir and Kayseri, Turkey.

Finalists for the team -- coached by Duke University's Mike Krzyzewski -- were selected after last week's training session. The others are: Chauncey Billups (Denver Nuggets), Tyson Chandler (Dallas Mavericks), Stephen Curry (Golden State Warriors), Kevin Durant (Oklahoma City Thunder), Rudy Gay (Memphis Grizzlies), Eric Gordon (Los Angeles Clippers), Danny Granger (Indiana Pacers), Jeff Green (Oklahoma City Thunder), Andre Iguodala (Philadelphia 76ers), Brook Lopez (New Jersey Nets), Lamar Odom (Los Angeles Lakers), Rajon Rondo (Boston Celtics), Derrick Rose (Chicago Bulls) and Russell Westbrook (Oklahoma City Thunder).

The group will reassembled on Aug. 9 in New York for another week of training, culminating with an exhibition game Aug. 15 against France at Madison Square Garden.

Tom Pelissero is Senior Editor and columnist for 1500ESPN.com. He hosts from 6 to 8 p.m. weeknights and co-hosts from 10 a.m. to noon Sundays on 1500 ESPN Twin Cities.
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