As time passes, video games continue to become increasingly realistic. Sports video games are in high demand. Fans wait each year for the latest version of the game to be released to the public.
On Friday, September 5, NBA 2k26 was released worldwide. Since then, one Mavericks player has been using the video games as a learning tool.
In the 2025 NBA draft, Dallas selected Cooper Flagg out of Duke. The rookie forward is using 2k26 as a way to simulate his fit with Kyrie Irving and Anthony Davis.
While it’s not live, on-court action, anything is worth trying to get an edge when the season starts.
Flagg turns to virtual court for teammate chemistry
Cooper Flagg Using NBA 2K26 To Simulate Fit With Kyrie Irving And Anthony Davis
Video games aren’t the same as real NBA basketball. We all know that.
But that doesn’t mean they can’t be useful, even for pro players.
In an interview with Heavy Sports, Ronnie 2K explained how Flagg is using the game to get comfortable with his new teammates. He said the game’s AI is so good that it will “really simulate the authentic experience of being on the court.”
NBA 2k26 has advanced AI that’s tailored to each team and player. These virtual players actually have the same tendencies as their real-life counterparts.
This gives Flagg a better understanding of the team before he even steps on the court with them.
Most importantly, the 18-year-old rookie wants to get a feel for what it’s like to play alongside stars like Irving and Davis.
Cooper Flagg has reportedly been using NBA 2K26 to see how he’ll fit in with Kyrie and Anthony Davis on the Mavericks.
The timing couldn’t be better for this virtual practice.
Irving will miss the first three to five months of the 2025-26 season while recovering from a torn ACL he suffered last year. Flagg won’t play with Irving right away, but he can start learning Irving’s playing style through the video game.
He will, however, get to play with Anthony Davis immediately when the season starts.
Davis will play power forward for Dallas, and it’s still up in the air where Flagg will start his career. Without Irving, the team will begin with D’Angelo Russell as their point guard.
Flagg could potentially start at shooting guard or small forward next season.
Klay Thompson was a full-time starter in 2024-25, but Dallas also has P.J. Washington, whom they signed to a long-term deal. Someone will be squeezed out of the starting lineup.
It won’t be Cooper Flagg though.
The 2025 first-overall pick is expected to take Dallas to the next level this coming season. And he’s already putting in the work – even if some of that work happens with a controller in hand.
