Cleveland Cavaliers star Kyrie Irving could eventually start at point guard for Team USA in their campaign in the upcoming 2014 FIBA Basketball World Cup that is set to start on Saturday in Spain.

ESPN reported that Team USA coach Mike Krzyzewski named Irving as the starting point guard for their tune-up game against the Goran Dragic-led Slovenia on Tuesday.

Chicago Bulls superstar Derrick Rose was considered as a lock to start for USA in the World Cup, but Krzyzewski revealed that Irving could also get a chance to start in the tournament.

"We'll see as thing goes on," Krzyzewski said on Monday when asked about who he is planning to start in the World Cup. "We might alternate them. Both of them are going to play significant minutes."

Krzyzewski said that the team is being cautious on Rose, who is coming off his second major knee injury. The veteran also added that they could also play Rose and Irving together, but he quickly clarified that the Bulls guard has been feeling great about his knees in recent practices.

"I asked him today, and he said, 'I feel great.' He did everything. He's full go. I think there's a part of him that's like: 'Quit asking me how I feel. I'm good.' So I'm not going to ask him anymore," Krzyzewski added.

Several NBA superstars withdrew from consideration before and during the USA Basketball training camp, but the defending world champions are still the heavy favorite to win the title this year.

Krzyzewski knows that it will not be a walk in the park for Team USA, though, admitting that team chemistry would be a big factor on how well they will play in the coming weeks.

"Our biggest [question mark] is how close we can become," Krzyzewski said. "That's where the other countries have the advantage. They've been together for years. We've been together for days. But these guys will do anything to help. They really want to be here. It's a group that wants to work."

Host country Spain, which will feature several NBA stars like Pau and Marc Gasol along with Serge Ibaka, are considered as the biggest threat to USA, who will play Finland, Turkey, New Zealand, Dominican Republic and Ukraine in the preliminary round of the tournament.

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