Bulls guard Kirk Hinrich will be added to the USA Basketball team that plays in the world championships next month and the 2008 Olympics in Beijing, NBA sources confirmed Tuesday.

Hinrich was unavailable for comment, though an announcement is expected this week. A total of 23 players will begin preparations and training July 19 in Las Vegas, though there seems a good chance Hinrich will make the final cut of 12 players to go overseas with the team starting Aug. 6 in China.

Hinrich's chances are enhanced because questions have developed about the participation of several players this summer and the team is considered weak at point guard, especially defensively.

Hinrich initially declined an invitation this spring, but coach Mike Krzyzewski and managing director Jerry Colangelo reportedly appealed to Hinrich to reconsider.