Udonis Haslem roasted for choosing VJ Edgecombe over Cooper Flagg

Current NBA trade speculation Giannis Antetokounmpo has hit a fever as the Feb. 5 deadline approaches. Udonis Haslemoften considered the OG of the Eastern Conference, shared his desire to see the superstar find happiness despite the Milwaukee Bucks recently falling to 12th place with a record of 18-27.

Haslem noted that leadership struggles and public criticism of teammates should remain “behind closed doors” and not aired in the media.

Haslem recently stirred up the basketball community by evaluating the upcoming draft class and identifying the player he would choose to build the franchise around. He clarified that while he recognizes the talent of other top prospects, his preference leans toward a specific type of versatile athlete who believes it offers greater value to a winning culture.

“I know Cooper is doing his thing, I know Conn is doing his thing… VJ of all these guys he’s a two-way guy. This guy impacts the game whether the basketball is in his hands. If I’m starting a team, I’m starting my team with a two-way guy,” Oh No, he didn’t post on X.

Udonis:

“I know Cooper is doing his thing, I know Conn is doing his thing… VJ of all these guys he’s a two-way guy. This guy impacts the game whether the basketball is in his hands. If I’m starting a team, I’m starting my team with a two-way guy.” pic.twitter.com/LrsbRVhhBe

— Oh no, it’s not (@ohnohedidnt24) January 31, 2026

This bold claim immediately sparked a wave of criticism.

Duke Men’s Basketball answered with a question“who’s going to tell him,” while @All_Things_Mavs said that should be known as “Udon’tknovball”.

More so @LetNicoCook claimed that “Cooper and Cohn strengthened their team’s defense more than VJ”.

This commitment to specific playing styles is also evident in how Haslem mentors the Heat’s current prospects.

Haslem also provided critical insight into the recent tension between head coach Erik Spoelstra and rookie center Kel’el Ware. After Spoelstra’s comments that Ware was “putting his days in the wrong direction,” Haslem, who serves as a mentor to the young big man, offered a firm response. He warned that going out on the field without joy and energy basically confirms the negative reports of the coach.

As the trade deadline looms and young players continue to fight for their spot in the rotation, the impact of a seasoned veteran like Haslem is proving as relevant as ever in the modern NBA landscape.