From Virtual to Reality: How Cooper Flagg is Using a “Shocking Method” to Master His Mavericks Fit

 

The anticipation surrounding Cooper Flagg’s rookie season with the Dallas Mavericks is unlike anything the franchise has seen since the arrival of Luka Dončić. After the Mavericks, against all odds, won the 2025 NBA Draft Lottery and selected the generational talent, the conversation immediately shifted to how he would fit into a roster built around established superstars. With training camp weeks away and key teammates recovering from injuries, Flagg is turning to an unorthodox, and some might call “shocking,” method to get a head start on building on-court chemistry with his new teammates.

According to Ronnie Singh, the Digital Marketing Director for the popular NBA 2K video game franchise, Flagg is using the newly released NBA 2K26 to perfect his fit with the Mavericks’ core. This isn’t just about fun and games; it’s a calculated training tool. Flagg is reportedly spending a significant amount of time playing the game, with himself, Anthony Davis, and Kyrie Irving all on the virtual court together.

The method, while seemingly casual, is a brilliant and modern approach to a timeless problem in professional sports. For a rookie, especially one joining a team with championship aspirations, the pressure to seamlessly integrate into the team’s system is immense. This is made even more difficult by the fact that many of Flagg’s new teammates, including Kyrie Irving (recovering from a torn ACL) and Anthony Davis (who had a detached retina repaired), are not yet able to participate in full-contact training.

This is where the realism of NBA 2K26 comes in. Singh highlighted the game’s enhanced artificial intelligence and its ability to authentically simulate on-court movement. By playing the game, Flagg can run through plays, practice off-ball movement, and learn to anticipate how his new teammates will react to different situations. He can get a feel for how to cut off of Davis’s screens, where to position himself for Irving’s drive-and-kick passes, and how to create space for his own offense without disrupting the flow of the team.

This is more than just a passing of time; it’s a form of virtual immersion. Flagg is using the game as a high-tech playbook, a digital sandbox where he can experiment with different scenarios and learn the nuances of his role without the risk of injury. It allows him to build a baseline understanding of his teammates’ tendencies and his place in the offensive and defensive schemes. When he finally gets to step on the court with them in real life, he will already have a leg up, having run countless “reps” on the virtual hardwood.

The move also speaks volumes about Flagg’s character. He is known for being a relentless competitor and a “gym rat,” and this latest anecdote only adds to that reputation. He is not just waiting for the season to start; he is doing whatever he can, in whatever medium he can, to gain an advantage. This kind of dedication and forward-thinking is a rare trait for a player of his age and is exactly the kind of mentality that will allow him to thrive in a winning environment.

The fact that the Mavericks are a winning team with a roster of veteran leaders is a crucial part of this story. Flagg isn’t burdened with the pressure of having to be a team’s sole savior. Instead, he can learn from future Hall of Famers like Anthony Davis and, when he returns, Kyrie Irving. His “shocking” method of preparation is a testament to his maturity and his desire to earn his place on a team that is not rebuilding but reloading.

Ultimately, Cooper Flagg is not just a player; he is a force of nature, and his latest training method is a clear sign that he is ready to take the league by storm. By using a video game to simulate his on-court fit, he is demonstrating a level of preparation and dedication that is rarely seen in rookies. It’s a bold move that perfectly aligns with a player who is known for his unique skill set and his unwavering commitment to winning. For Mavericks fans, this is more than just an interesting tidbit; it’s another reason to believe that they have drafted a generational talent who is ready to make a major impact from day one.