Timberwolves guard Wally Szczerbiak declined an invitation to replace Milwaukee's Ray Allen on the U.S. team at the World Basketball Championships Aug. 29-Sept. 8 in Indianapolis.

Allen withdrew because of tendinitis in his left knee. New York's Allan Houston also reportedly declined an invitation from USA Basketball.

Gary Wichard, Szczerbiak's agent, said that Stu Jackson, NBA senior vice president, called Thursday to see if Szczerbiak wanted to play. But Szczerbiak cited several scheduling conflicts and the fact he and his wife, Shannon, recently learned she is pregnant.

Szczerbiak played for the U.S. team in the Goodwill Games last summer in Brisbane, Australia.