DALLAS -- Center Samuel Dalembert apologized to coaches and teammates after oversleeping and missing the Mavericks' Monday shootaround, which led to him being benched for the first quarter of Dallas' loss to the Denver Nuggets.

DeJuan Blair started in the place of Dalembert, whose reputation for being unreliable is one reason the 12-year veteran is playing for his fifth team in five seasons. Bernard James subbed in for Blair before Dalembert started the second quarter.

"I'm very disappointed in myself," said Dalembert, who had two points, two blocks, three rebounds and three fouls in 18 minutes off the bench. "I don't have an excuse. It shouldn't happen. I'm still trying to get over it. I'm very upset."

"Just saying it frustrates me. It pisses me off. I shouldn't put myself in that situation."

Dalembert has been playing with bruised ribs, but his injury had nothing to do with missing the shootaround. He appeared to be visibly upset while discussing the situation with the media.

When Rick Carlisle was asked whether Dalembert would return to the starting lineup Wednesday against the Golden State Warriors, the coach said, "We'll see."

Dalembert, who signed a two-year, $7.6 million deal this summer with the second season only partially guaranteed, said he feels like he has to earn the right to start again.

"Everybody has to be accountable and do their part," said Dalembert, who is averaging 7.5 points, 7.2 rebounds and 1.5 blocks in 23.6 minutes per game this season. "Whatever I have to do to get back to where we're supposed to be, I'm going to have to build [trust] back again. That's what I'm going to have to do and I think it's fair."

Dalembert's teammates seemed willing to consider this a one-time mistake.

"He apologized to the team and that's about it. We all make mistakes," said Dirk Nowitzki, noting he once didn't start after forgetting about a pregame shootaround. "It is what it is. As long as it doesn't happen every other day, you move forward as a team."