DALLAS -- Rodrigue Beaubois got characterized last week by coach Rick Carlisle as a "depth player," which means more or less a guy at the end of the bench that will pick up scrap minutes when afforded.

That was before Dallas traded Rudy Fernandez (and Corey Brewer) to the Denver Nuggets. Beaubois still remains behind a couple of quality players in Vince Carter and Jason Terry, but after coming a second surgery on his left foot in as many summers, he will get opportunities -- as long as he's healthy -- at shooting guard and behind Jason Kidd and Delonte West at point guard.

The compacted 66-game schedule will afford that as Carlisle will look to spread playing time as far down the bench as he possibly can. So far in training camp, Beaubois seems to have his quickness working for him as he regains the confidence he showed as a rookie.

"The thing with him, we've all seen the flashes of brilliance," Carlisle said. "But we're looking for consistency. We're looking for consistency in terms of concentration and in terms of him utilizing his abilities. And, I believe he's getting better. He had a really solid day [of practice Saturday]. We really need him and Dominique [Jones] and Ian [Mahinmi] and our young guys to be ready because we're going to need them."

Carlisle said that Beaubois is physically sound to play and he could see his first action in tonight's home preseason game (6:30 p.m.) against the Oklahoma City Thunder since re-injuring the left foot in last year's regular-season finale.

Prior to the start of training camp on Dec. 9, Beaubois said he wasn't quite 100 percent and wasn't certain if he'd be ready for the Christmas Day opener in one week against the Miami Heat. Exhibition games Sunday and Tuesday (at OKC) will start to give us a better idea.

"So far, so good," Beaubois said after Friday night's scrimmage in front a crowd of more than 6,0oo at the American Airlines Center. I just need to get the leg stronger because I was out for so long. I just need to keep pushing on it. I'll be OK."