Video games to prepare for NBA season: This star uses NBA 2K26 to perform on the court!

Cooper Flagg found an original method to prepare for his first NBA season. The Dallas Mavericks‘ number 1 draft pick uses NBA 2K26 to simulate his integration into the Texan roster and develop virtual chemistry with his future teammates Anthony Davis and Kyrie Irving.

Cooper Flagg has been playing NBA 2K26 to see how he’ll fit in with Kyrie Irving, Anthony Davis, and the Dallas Mavericks, per @Ronnie2K

« 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… pic.twitter.com/peJX5oJfWv

— MFFL NATION (@NationMffl) September 6, 2025

A modern approach to anticipate rookie season challenges

Ronnie Singh, NBA 2K’s Digital Director, revealed this innovative approach by the young prodigy to Heavy Sports: « I’ve been talking a lot with Cooper Flagg these past few weeks, and he’s already trying to understand how he’ll fit into the team by playing NBA 2K26 with himself, integrated with Kyrie Irving and Anthony Davis. »

This method makes perfect sense in the Mavericks’ current context. Irving, still rehabilitating from his ACL tear, will miss several weeks at the start of the 2025-2026 season. « He might not play with Kyrie for a while, so it’s pretty cool to be able to simulate that, see the off-ball movements, » explains Singh.

Video games as a professional preparation tool

NBA 2K26’s advanced artificial intelligence allows Flagg to study off-ball movements and tactical schemes. « Our AI is excellent. It really reproduces the authentic experience of being on the court, » emphasizes the game’s Digital Director.

This approach is part of a growing trend of using video games as analysis tools. Baseball pitcher Lucas Giolito had already revealed in 2023 that he used MLB The Show to study opposing lineups.

In NBA 2K26, Flagg has an overall rating of 82, making him the best rookie in the game. Davis and Irving display ratings of 93 and 90 respectively, placing them among the top 25 players. This virtual simulation might be the only way to see Irving in a Mavericks uniform before his return to the court, as the All-Star guard remains cautious about his return timeline.