Cooper Flagg has yet to make his debut for the Dallas Mavericks, but he’s already finding unique ways to ease his transition to the NBA. According to Ronnie 2K, the No. 1 overall pick is using the game as a way to learn how to play with his new teammates, and it might be more effective than you think.
“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,” said Ronnie in a chat with Heavy. “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.”
NBA 2K obviously isn’t the same as a live game experience, but it’s arguably one of the best things that Flagg can do right now to prepare for the upcoming season. The game isn’t random; it involves advanced AI that’s unique for each player and every team. The simulated players have the same tendencies as their real-life counterparts, meaning that Flagg can get a reasonable understanding of what he may be up against.
Most importantly, Flagg can use the game to maximize his fit with his new All-Star teammates. With Kyrie Irving set to miss most of the 2025-26 campaign, Flagg won’t get the chance to play with him for a while, but he can make the adjustment easier when Irving returns by learning the details and intricacies of his game.
Flagg, 18, was drafted first overall in 2025 and is facing big expectations right away. After the controversial departure of Luka Doncic, he’s the next one up as the future of the franchise, and his development will be key to their success going forward.
Besides Irving, the former Duke star will also have to learn how to play with Anthony Davis, a 10x All-Star and NBA champion. With averages of 24.7 points, 11.6 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game last season, Davis is still playing elite-level basketball, and if he can stay healthy, it will dramatically improve the Mavericks’ chances of making a run.
Let’s not forget NBA sharpshooter Klay Thompson, who was the key piece of a dynasty for the Warriors. While Klay’s game has declined over the past few years, Flagg’s role as a primary ball handler means that he can help Thompson get into a rhythm with timely passes and good decision-making.
Of course, Flagg will have to hone his skills in the gym and on the court for his 2K sessions to really count, and watching film is also an important step. Still, at the very least, it’s a good sign that he’s using everything at his disposal to maximize his game for the Mavericks and ensure that he’s ready to make a difference on day one.
It’s a stark contrast to Luka Doncic, whom the Mavericks accused of poor conditioning before trading him. With Doncic now reportedly in the best shape of his life, it has put even more pressure on Flagg to live up to expectations and validate the Mavericks’ gamble.
