Mavericks release Tu Holloway and D.J. Mbenga

The Dallas Mavericks, who are set to leave for their preseason in Europe on Wednesday, have parted ways with guard Tu Holloway and center D.J. Mbenga, according to a report from Earl K. Sneed on the team's Web site.

Mbenga, the longtime backup center who also played for the Mavericks from 2004-07, couldn't crack the preseason roster although one of the team's offseason acquisitions, center Chris Kaman, remains sidelined with a sprained lower back, according to the report.

Although not getting selected by a team in the 2012 NBA Draft, Holloway, out of Xavier, played on the Toronto Raptors' summer league team before signing with Dallas in late September. The 6'0 point guard, according to the article, couldn't find enough time in a backcourt that also includes Darren Collison, Rodrigue Beaubois, O.J. Mayo and Delonte West.

"Mbenga and Holloway did a good job here, but we've gotta cut down for the trip and we've just gotta keep moving forward," head coach Rick Carlisle said in the report.

The Mavericks' roster, after the moves, currently rests at 16 players.