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Cooper Flagg Tries New Method to Find His Fit With the Mavericks

Originally posted on Last Word On Sports
By Aleksandar Mishkov | Last updated Sep 6, 2025 4:53 PM ET

Cooper Flagg looks like he is eager to start his rookie season. He has been one of the most hyped rookies in recent years as the first overall pick by the Dallas Mavericks. Unlike most rookies, he was lucky enough to instantly become a part of a team that wants to win. If and when they get healthy, the Mavs have a team that can cause trouble in the Western Conference. And it seems like Flagg wants to get a head start on how he will fit with his new teammates.

Cooper Flagg Tries New Method to Find His Fit With the Mavericks

According to a recent report, Cooper Flagg has been using NBA 2K26 to prepare for his rookie season. Specifically, he wants to simulate play to see how he will fit with his veteran teammates like Anthony Davis and Kyrie Irving. NBA 2K26 introduced ProPlay and the Dynamic Motion Engine for more realistic player movement. Of course, the game can never simulate a real one. However, Flagg hopes to see some action between him and the veteran teammates.

It will be interesting to see how head coach Jason Kidd uses Flagg during his rookie season. With the Mavericks lacking playmakers, some believe he might give him more time with the ball in his hands. But we will have to wait and see how things unfold.

Jul 12, 2025; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Dallas Mavericks forward Cooper Flagg (32) dribbles against San Antonio Spurs forward Carter Bryant (11) in the fourth quarter of their game at Thomas & Mack Center. Mandatory Credit: Candice Ward-Imagn Images

Cooper Flagg NBA2K Rating

Here is an interesting fact: Flagg has an overall rating of 82 in NBA 2K26, which makes him the second-highest-rated rookie in the game. Victor Wembanyama had 84 overall rating when he was a rookie, which to this date remains the highest rating for a rookie. That is a generous rating for a player who has yet to step on the NBA court.

For reference, Anthony Davis has an overall rating of 93, with the game citing his inside scoring as his best aspect of the game. Kyrie has an overall rating of 90, with the best aspect being his outside scoring.

Fans Not Loving It

It is interesting to see the reactions of fans to the fact that Cooper Flagg is using NBA 2K26 as a reference to how he will fit with the Dallas Mavericks in his rookie season. There were hateful comments like:

“Or you could you know go to Practice”
“Was Flagg playing with Kyrie and AD on the bench or on the court?”
“2k is literally unrealistic cuz you could play as AD in it, while realistically, he can’t in real life”
“No need to worry about that AD might miss half the season, so he’ll fit in very well.”
“Better start playing without AD in the game, cause he’s gonna miss 30% of the season due to injuries”
“He’s spending time in the wrong gym”
“2k is unrealistic because AD actually plays basketball in it”

It seems like fans are not much fans of his unconventional methods. Of course, Flagg and AD will have a chance to practice together when training camp begins. He will have to wait for Irving to get back on the court. Right now, he is scheduled to come back from his injury around late January or early February. But there is no guarantee Kyrie will play at all this season.

This article first appeared on Last Word On Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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