Former Duke Star Cooper Flagg Receives 2nd-Highest Rookie Rating in NBA 2K History…

Former Duke Star Cooper Flagg Receives 2nd-Highest Rookie Rating in NBA 2K History…

 

Former Duke standout and current NBA rookie Cooper Flagg has made headlines once again, this time in the virtual arena. The No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft has been awarded a jaw-dropping NBA 2K26 rookie rating of 85, making it the second-highest rookie rating in the history of the popular video game franchise.

Only LeBron James, who debuted with an 88 rating in NBA 2K4, received a higher mark as a rookie. Flagg now stands ahead of other legends like Kevin Durant (80), Zion Williamson (81), and Victor Wembanyama (84), solidifying his place among the most highly anticipated players in recent memory.

2K Sports made the announcement via social media early Monday, showcasing Flagg’s digital likeness in his new NBA uniform. The post quickly went viral, with fans and analysts alike buzzing over the bold move by the game’s developers.

“This isn’t just hype — it’s a reflection of what we’ve seen from Flagg at every level,” said Ronnie Singh, a.k.a. “Ronnie 2K,” a public face of the NBA 2K series. “His basketball IQ, athleticism, and versatility are off the charts. We’ve never seen a player quite like him enter the league in years.”

Flagg, a 6-foot-9 forward from Newport, Maine, dominated college basketball during his freshman season at Duke. Averaging 20.1 points, 9.2 rebounds, 3.7 assists, and 2.8 blocks per game, he not only led the Blue Devils to the Final Four but also captured multiple national awards, including the Wooden Award and Naismith Trophy.

His transition to the NBA has been smooth so far. In the Summer League, Flagg impressed with his poise and maturity, averaging 17.6 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 2.1 blocks through five games. His defensive presence and ability to create plays for teammates stood out, validating the hype that has surrounded him since high school.

“I grew up playing NBA 2K,” Flagg said during a press conference after the rating reveal. “To see myself in the game, and with that kind of rating… it’s surreal. But I’m focused on proving I deserve it every night on the court.”

While some fans argue that an 85 rating sets a high bar for the rookie, others see it as a well-earned recognition of Flagg’s once-in-a-generation talent. The rating also puts additional pressure on the 19-year-old to live up to lofty expectations — both from fans and his team.

NBA 2K26 is set for release on September 6, and Flagg is already being touted as a fan-favorite for online play and MyCareer modes. His digital avatar features a polished all-around skillset, high defensive ratings, and a silky jump shot — mimicking his real-life strengths.

Whether he surpasses his virtual rating on the actual hardwood remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: Cooper Flagg has arrived, and both gamers and basketball fans alike are ready for the show.