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Report: Team USA adds Rudy Gay to replace Kevin Durant

Ed Szczepanski / USA TODAY Sports

Get your inefficient chucker jokes ready: Team USA has reportedly tabbed Sacramento Kings small forward Rudy Gay to replace Kevin Durant.

Gay is something of a divisive player, as he is wont to launch shots from the dreaded mid-range, but he actually enjoyed quite a successful half-season in Sacramento last season, averaging 20.1 points, 5.5 rebounds and 3.1 assists per game on decent efficiency numbers.

Moreover, Gay has the size to play the four in international competition. He weights 230 pounds and stands at 6-foot-8, which should allow him to amply defend most international fours. He's also a strong perimeter defender and normally sticks at the three.

Praises aside, Gay certainly won't be able to make up for the squad's loss of Durant. But aside from LeBron James, who can? Gay at least mirrors Durant in terms of positional flexibility, and is a good defender with the ability to score in one-on-one situations. 

The addition of Gay brings the team's talent pool back to 16. A decision on the final roster will be made on Aug. 30.

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