Cooper Flagg Makes NBA 2K History With Second-Highest Rookie Rating Ever, Cementing His Rise From Duke Star To Pro Phenom
The hype surrounding Cooper Flagg has been nearly impossible to ignore over the last few years. From dominating prep school courts to making headlines as one of Duke’s most anticipated recruits in a generation, and now officially embarking on his NBA journey, Flagg’s trajectory has been steep and relentless. And with the release of the latest NBA 2K video game installment, that momentum just received another significant boost: Cooper Flagg has been awarded the second-highest rookie rating in NBA 2K history, further solidifying his standing as one of the most anticipated rookies the league has seen in recent memory.
With a rating of 84 overall, Flagg finds himself in elite company—second only to LeBron James, whose 2003 debut was marked by a record-setting 2K rookie rating of 85. The significance of this rating isn’t lost on fans, players, or basketball historians. NBA 2K has long become more than just a game—it’s a cultural benchmark, a barometer of talent, potential, and legacy. To receive such a rating before even playing a regular-season NBA game is not just an honor—it’s a statement.
Flagg’s rating is reflective of his all-around skillset, high basketball IQ, and projected dominance at the next level. The game’s developers at Visual Concepts and 2K Sports noted that his unique blend of defense, athleticism, and versatility made it impossible to rate him lower. “Cooper Flagg is unlike most prospects we’ve ever evaluated,” said 2K lead gameplay director Mike Wang. “He’s not just good at one thing—he’s great at a lot of things, and that shows up immediately in gameplay.”
What makes Flagg’s rating even more remarkable is the journey he took to get here. Hailing from Maine, a state not often known for producing elite basketball prospects, Flagg burst onto the national radar in his early high school years with a combination of highlight-reel plays and gritty, mature performances. His defensive instincts, shot-blocking timing, and ability to guard multiple positions made him a standout even among the most competitive AAU and national circuit environments. And when he committed to Duke, the pressure only intensified.
Flagg didn’t just live up to expectations at Duke—he exceeded them. As a freshman, he led the Blue Devils in scoring, rebounding, and blocks, while anchoring one of the best defensive units in the country. His impact was felt on every possession. Whether he was initiating the offense, making a crucial help-side rotation, or calmly drilling a contested jumper, Flagg was always in control. Duke head coach Jon Scheyer praised his approach to the game as “professional before he ever became one,” highlighting the maturity and work ethic that made Flagg such a uniquely reliable player at such a young age.
By the end of his lone season at Duke, Flagg was a consensus All-American, ACC Player of the Year, and the unanimous projected No. 1 pick. But perhaps more importantly, he’d reignited national enthusiasm for Duke basketball and elevated the program’s expectations overnight. His highlight reels were viral sensations, his jersey the top seller among NCAA players, and his reputation as a future NBA star unquestioned.
All of this culminated in a moment many anticipated for years: Flagg was selected with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft by the San Antonio Spurs, reuniting fans with the dream of a new basketball dynasty. With Victor Wembanyama already on the roster, the pairing of Wembanyama and Flagg instantly became one of the most intriguing young duos in league history. The Spurs, long known for their developmental prowess and system-first approach, now had two generational talents on rookie contracts—an unprecedented foundation for future success.
And then came NBA 2K’s rating drop—a moment that annually sparks debates, excitement, and controversy in equal measure. When Flagg’s rating was announced as 84, the reaction was immediate and widespread. Social media erupted with fans praising the score, analysts comparing it to historic greats, and players chiming in with their own takes. Many noted that Flagg’s defensive attributes were especially influential in earning him such a high rating. With ratings like 92 in defensive awareness, 88 in blocking, and 85 in perimeter defense, Flagg enters the game as arguably the most impactful defensive rookie in the simulation.
Offensively, his ratings reflect a polished but still-developing scorer. With a mid-80s rating in close shot, driving dunk, and post control, Flagg is built to be a force around the rim. His passing and ball-handling are respectable—both in the high 70s—and his basketball IQ attributes rank among the best ever for a first-year player. The developers made it clear that Flagg’s real-life ability to influence the game without needing to dominate the ball was critical in building out his virtual profile.
Flagg himself responded to the rating with humility and excitement. “Man, that’s crazy. I grew up playing 2K, so to even be in the game is wild,” he said in an interview after the reveal. “But 84? That’s big. I’m just trying to live up to it now.” It’s that mindset—equal parts grounded and competitive—that makes Flagg a favorite among coaches, teammates, and fans alike.
The 2K rating also shines a light on how quickly Flagg has captured the imagination of the basketball community. Unlike some rookies who enter the league with one standout skill or heavy development needed, Flagg feels NBA-ready in almost every area. His feel for the game, defensive tenacity, and unselfishness have drawn comparisons to players like Tim Duncan, Draymond Green, and Scottie Pippen. But make no mistake—Flagg is forging his own path, one that blends elements of past greats into a truly modern, positionless forward.
The buzz surrounding his 2K debut has also had ripple effects beyond just ratings. Sales for the game spiked after the rating drop, especially among Spurs fans and Duke supporters. His MyPlayer likeness has been praised for its accuracy, and early gameplay videos show just how dominant Flagg can be within the 2K environment—blocking shots, initiating fast breaks, and knocking down threes in rhythm.
As Flagg prepares for his first real NBA season, the expectations will only continue to grow. The 2K rating, while symbolic, sets a precedent. Fans will expect elite-level production. Opponents will target him. Teammates will rely on him. And the media will watch his every move. But if Flagg’s journey to this point has shown anything, it’s that pressure doesn’t rattle him—it refines him.
San Antonio is buzzing with hope again. After years of transition following the departure of the Duncan-Ginobili-Parker era, the arrival of Wembanyama and now Flagg signals a possible rebirth. With Gregg Popovich still guiding the team, the foundation is strong. And Flagg’s work ethic, team-first mentality, and hunger for improvement fit seamlessly with the Spurs’ culture.
As for NBA 2K, they’ve made their bet—and it’s a bold one. Rating Flagg as the second-best rookie in game history isn’t just about analytics or potential. It’s a reflection of belief. Belief that Cooper Flagg isn’t just another top pick. He might be the next face of basketball. And if his real-world production mirrors what gamers are already experiencing on their consoles, that belief will turn into reality very quickly.
Whether you’re a die-hard Spurs fan, a Duke loyalist, or just a basketball purist, Cooper Flagg’s emergence feels like the beginning of something bigger than just another rookie campaign. And with NBA 2K now on board, the digital and real-life worlds are aligned in expectation: Flagg isn’t just here—he’s here to take over.
