NBA 2K26 Power Shift: Dallas Emerges as a True Threat

 

The annual release of NBA 2K ratings is a watershed moment for basketball fans, sparking debates and providing an early glimpse into the league’s hierarchy. This year’s release of NBA 2K26 has delivered a seismic shift, with the Dallas Mavericks emerging as a true title contender on paper, thanks to the blockbuster trade that sent Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers in exchange for a revitalized Anthony Davis and the subsequent drafting of phenom Cooper Flagg. The ratings, particularly for these three key players, tell a compelling story about the Mavericks’ new identity and their potential to surprise the league.

The most significant rating reveal for the Mavericks is Anthony Davis, who, after a stellar season in Dallas, has climbed to a 93 overall, placing him at the number eight spot among all players in the game. This is a remarkable leap for a player who, just a few seasons ago, was viewed as a high-end All-Star but not quite in the elite tier. His new rating reflects a season where he seemingly shed the injury-prone label, dominated on both ends of the floor, and showed a renewed fire in his game. In a league filled with dominant big men, a 93 overall rating places him in a truly rarefied air, just behind the likes of Nikola Jokic and Giannis Antetokounmpo. His offensive versatility and defensive prowess have been fully recognized by the 2K ratings team, and it’s a testament to his impact in Dallas.

While the Anthony Davis rating is a major headline, the ranking of Kyrie Irving is equally important. Despite an injury-plagued season that kept him off the court for a significant portion of the year, Irving maintains a strong presence in the top tier of the league, coming in at a 90 overall. This places him at the 16th spot among all players, a testament to his undeniable skill and reputation as one of the best offensive players in the NBA. 2K has clearly rewarded him for his high-level shot-making, ball-handling, and clutch performance, recognizing that a fully healthy Irving is still a top-level talent. The fact that he is rated so highly despite his recent injury history shows the immense respect the game’s creators have for his unique abilities.

Perhaps the most surprising and telling rating, however, is that of rookie phenom Cooper Flagg. The number one overall pick has cracked the top 100 players in the game, coming in with an impressive 82 overall rating. This is an unprecedented rating for a rookie, a clear indication that 2K sees him not just as a promising prospect but as a player who can make an immediate impact on the court. Flagg’s rating is a testament to the immense hype and scouting reports that have followed him for years, and it signals that he is expected to be a key part of the Mavericks’ rotation from day one.

The combination of these three ratings paints a clear picture: the Dallas Mavericks, a team that was just in the NBA Finals a few seasons ago, has been completely revamped on paper. The trade of Doncic was a massive gamble, but according to 2K, it has paid off handsomely. The Mavericks are no longer a team built around a single superstar. They are a team with a dominant defensive anchor, a high-level offensive creator, and a generational rookie talent.

The team’s supporting cast also received some love in the ratings. Players like Dereck Lively II and Daniel Gafford are also highly-rated for their shot-blocking and interior presence. The presence of these skilled role players, combined with the star power of Davis and Irving, makes the Mavericks a formidable foe for any team.

In the end, while video game ratings are not the final word on a team’s potential, they do offer a fascinating look at how the basketball world perceives a team’s talent and future. For the Dallas Mavericks, the NBA 2K26 ratings are a clear vote of confidence. They may have traded away a fan favorite and a generational talent, but they have emerged with a new identity, a renewed sense of purpose, and a roster that is now considered a legitimate threat to win it all.