NBA 2K26 is providing some invaluable research to Cooper Flagg ahead of his rookie season with the Dallas Mavericks.
Ronnie Singh, the digital director for NBA 2K, told Heavy Sports’ Alder Almo the No. 1 overall pick is diving into the new game to get a feel for playing on the Mavs.
“I’ve been talking to Cooper Flagg a lot the last couple of weeks, and he’s already trying to shape up how he’s going to fit into that team by playing the NBA2K26 game with him, integrated with Kyrie Irving and Anthony Davis,” Singh said. “He might not get to play with Kyrie for a minute, so it’s kind of cool that he gets to simulate that, see how the off-the-ball movement is. Our AI is so good. It really simulates the authentic experience of being on the court.”
As sports video games have advanced, they’ve become more than just a source of entertainment. Starting pitcher Lucas Giolito said in 2023 he has used MLB The Show to scout opposing lineups before starts.
While NBA 2K26 isn’t a major overhaul in terms of the gameplay, the developers pointed to smaller enhancements in an effort to replicate the real thing. Those include better off-ball movement by AI players and refined control for Rhythm Shooting.
As a result, the 2K version of the 2025-26 Mavericks should be a close facsimile to the squad Jason Kidd will be leading this year.
Flagg boasts an 82 overall rating at launch, making him the best rookie in the game. Davis and Irving sit at 93 and 90 respectively, putting them both among the top 25 players.
In the case of Irving, NBA 2K26 is likely to be your only chance to see him in a Mavs uniform this season. The nine-time All-Star is still recovering from a torn ACL and has been cautious about projecting a timeline for his return.