Who will Dirk run with?

Last year when Gerald Green was cut outright in the middle of the season by the Rockets, many people thought that the last time he’d be heard from was when he blew out somebody’s birthday cake. But in the end, that might have been a blessing. He’s been explosive as always in the open court this preseason, and has also made real strides on the defensive end.

Against the Pacers a couple of nights ago, he put the clamps on Danny Granger, holding the Pacers’ young gun to 3-15 shooting – even if he did pick up a couple of fouls. And with almost $1.5 million coming his way this season, Green isn’t really in jeopardy of being left off of Dallas’ 15-man roster.

Here’s how their squad looks right now, with 19 guys:

* Dirk Nowitzki
* Josh Howard
* Jason Terry
* Jason Kidd
* Jerry Stackhouse
* Erick Dampier
* Brandon Bass
* Gerald Green
* J.J. Barea
* DeSagana Diop
* Antoine Wright
* Devean George
* Shawne Williams
* Cheyne Gadson
* Keith McLeod
* James Singleton
* Charles Rhodes
* JaJuan Smith
* Reyshawn Terry

While Green is safe, he might be in the minority on this roster. Of the four guys who will have to be cut, there are six legitimate possibilities, five of whom do not have guaranteed contracts.

- James Singleton – He’s the only one with a guaranteed contract, coming in around $770,000. However, before breaking out for 11 points, 9 boards and 4 assists in 27 minutes against Indiana, he had tallied a total of 8 points in the previous three games.
- JaJuan Smith – An undrafted rookie out of Tennessee, JaJuan could stick on this team because he can do two things that the Mavs need: back-up at the point and knock down triples. He hit 3-4 tries from deep against the Bucks, tallying 13 points in Dallas’ second preseason game.
- Charles Rhodes – When at Mississippi State, Rhodes’ ideal NBA comparison was Brandon Bass. But with Bass fully realizing his potential, the Mavs might not need Rhodes’ big body on the bench.
- Keith McLeod – The second all-time leading scorer in Bowling Green’s history could end up back in the Euroleague, where he played last season for Montepaschi Siena. Whether he’s in the League or in Europe, he’ll face NBA-caliber guys; Brandon Jennings‘ Virtus Roma team is in Siena’s division.
- Cheyne Gadson – He had a decent season last year in the D-League, but came to the Mavs’ camp knowing that he’s the last man on this roster. He hasn’t done anything outstanding to show otherwise.
- Reyshawn Terry – Another interesting case. Like Smith, he provides the team with another three-point threat. But right now, Smith might be a better fit given the militia of small forwards on this roster: Howard, Stack, George, and now Shawne Williams.

Which four guys won’t make the team?