Taj Gibson injury: Bulls’ PF won’t participate in Team USA mini-camp due to ankle

With Team USA mini-camp in Las Vegas less than one week away, Chicago Bulls forward Taj Gibson has pulled out the event due to an ankle sprain according to USA Basketball Chairman Jerry Colangelo. Gibson was among 27 NBA players who had accepted invitations to the camp in Las Vegas that runs from July 21-25, but the injury cuts into his opportunity to earn a spot on the final roster for 2014-16 international competition.

The 28-year-old role player may have been a long shot to make the final cut anyway and unfortunately has dealt with ankle injuries in the past. For a Bulls team that was ravaged by injuries last season, Gibson taking some additional time off probably isn't considered a bad thing. Bulls head coach Tom Thibodeau recently accepted a role on Mike Krzyzewski's staff along with Jim Boeheim and New Orleans Pelicans head coach Monty Williams.

Here is a list of the players who have accepted invitations to the camp: Ryan Anderson, Harrison Barnes, Bradley Beal, Mike Conley, DeMarcus Cousins, Anthony Davis, DeMar DeRozan, Andre Drummond, Kenneth Faried, Derrick Favors, Paul George, Gordon Hayward, Jrue Holiday, Kyrie Irving, DeAndre Jordan, Ty Lawson, Kawhi Leonard, Damian Lillard, Greg Monroe, Chandler Parsons, Larry Sanders, Klay Thompson, Dion Waiters, Kemba Walker, John Wall and Tyler Zeller.