The Dallas Mavericks are preparing to usher in a new era built around Cooper Flagg, and the teenage phenom is already finding unconventional ways to handle the pressure.
Instead of relying solely on extra hours in the gym, the No. 1 pick has turned to NBA 2K26 to simulate what life will look like alongside his new teammates.
Flagg, drafted first overall after one standout year at Duke, enters the NBA burdened with the weight of expectation.
Dallas traded away Luka Doncic last season and lost Kyrie Irving to a torn ACL, leaving Flagg and veteran Anthony Davis as the central pillars of the franchise. In that context, the rookie has embraced a surprising training tool: video games.
Ronnie Singh, known to fans as Ronnie 2K, confirmed that Flagg has been using the popular title to model in-game scenarios and prepare mentally for the challenges ahead.
“I’ve been talking to Cooper 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 NBA 2K26 with Kyrie Irving and Anthony Davis,” Singh told Heavy Sports.
“He might not get to play with Kyrie for a while, 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.”
For Mavericks fans, Flagg represents more than just the next big rookie. He is the face of a franchise that spent the past decade building around Doncic only to reset its direction in dramatic fashion.
Now the spotlight falls on a 19-year-old whose maturity and work ethic have been praised since his high school days in Maine.
Flagg‘s rookie rating in NBA 2K26 sits at 82, already the third-highest on the Mavericks behind Davis (93) and Irving (90).
While Irving’s recovery will keep him sidelined early in the season, the game allows Flagg to run simulated sets with his future teammates – from backdoor cuts to off-ball screens – giving him an advanced understanding of how to fit in once the full roster is healthy.
“Spacing, timing, and movement without the ball are things young players often need to learn,” Singh explained.
“By running through those scenarios in the game, Cooper is getting an early sense of what works when he’s next to guys like AD and Kyrie.”
Carrying the load until Irving returns
The Mavericks are expected to lean heavily on Flagg and Davis in the opening months of the season.
With Irving sidelined, the rookie will be thrust into a leading offensive role far sooner than most top picks. That will mean adjusting to NBA defenses while carrying the pressure of being the franchise cornerstone.
For Flagg, using 2K is less about replacing live practice and more about sharpening instincts. By visualizing how Davis operates in the post or how Irving moves off screens, he is aiming to cut down the learning curve once he finally shares the floor with them.
Dallas has reason to be optimistic. Flagg‘s all-around game, combining elite defense, outside shooting, and an unrelenting motor, complements the star power around him.
If Irving returns to form later in the season, the Mavericks could quickly become one of the league’s most intriguing teams.
The bigger picture
While Flagg‘s preparation has caught attention for its creativity, it reflects a broader trend of young athletes blending technology with traditional training.
NBA 2K, long known for its realism, now offers advanced simulations that many players believe can reinforce on-court decision-making. For a rookie expected to hit the ground running, every edge matters.
It also speaks to Flagg‘s approach to pressure. Despite the hype, he has shown little sign of being overwhelmed by the expectations tied to being the No. 1 pick. If anything, he seems eager to find new ways to stay ahead.
The Mavericks open their regular season against the San Antonio Spurs in just over a month, with fans waiting to see how quickly their new cornerstone adapts to the professional game.
Flagg will still have to prove himself on the hardwood, but if his preparation is any indication, he is leaving no detail unattended.
“He’s already thinking about how to play with stars who aren’t even on the floor yet,” Singh said. “That says a lot about how seriously he’s taking this moment.”
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