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NBA won't beat rigging allegations if AJ Dybantsa goes to Utah Jazz
TL;DR
AJ Dybantsa's potential move to the Utah Jazz raises concerns about NBA rigging allegations. The Jazz owner, Ryan Smith, has been a strong supporter of Dybantsa's career.
Key points
- AJ Dybantsa is a generational talent moving into the NBA
- Utah Jazz owner Ryan Smith supports Dybantsa's career
- Smith previously helped secure a record NIL deal for Dybantsa
- Utah holds the No. 2 overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft
- Concerns about NBA rigging allegations are raised with Dybantsa's potential move
Mentioned in this story
Utah JazzAJ DybantsaRyan Smith
2026 NBA Draft
NBA won't beat rigging allegations if AJ Dybantsa goes to Utah Jazz originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Before AJ Dybantsa made his college commitment, there was one man who was pulling hard for him to be the face of the BYU Cougars men's basketball. Utah Jazz owner Ryan Smith has been loud and proud about investing in the program and being able to bring Dybantsa to Provo.
"If they need my help, I'm going to help them," Smith told ESPN months before Dybantsa committed to the Cougars. "I owe everything to BYU and I'm not going to say no. And they know that."
Now that the generational talent is moving into the NBA, the record NIL deal Smith once helped secure for Dybantsa might have a true return on investment with a full-circle move. Utah holds the No. 2 overall pick after Sunday's 2026 NBA Draft Lottery. There's a real possibility the former BYU star might not be moving too far after all.
Given the pre-existing relationship between Smith and Dybantsa, and the tech billionaire turned sports owner backing his NIL portfolio, would it be a good look for Dybantsa to end up in Salt Lake City?
On the surface, you take the best player available. There are many who believe that Dybantsa is on almost everyone's board at the top. But make no mistake about it. If the Jazz end up landing the 6-foot-9 wing, there will be many saying the NBA Draft is "rigged." Of course, that's not a new opinion with evidence to support several claims over the years.
Q&A
What are the rigging allegations against the NBA related to AJ Dybantsa?
The rigging allegations suggest that the NBA may manipulate outcomes, particularly concerning high-profile players like AJ Dybantsa.
Why is Ryan Smith invested in AJ Dybantsa's career?
Ryan Smith, owner of the Utah Jazz, has publicly supported Dybantsa and previously helped secure a significant NIL deal for him.
What pick does the Utah Jazz hold in the 2026 NBA Draft?
The Utah Jazz holds the No. 2 overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, increasing the likelihood of drafting AJ Dybantsa.
How might AJ Dybantsa's move to the NBA impact his relationship with BYU?
Dybantsa's transition to the NBA could strengthen his ties with BYU, as Ryan Smith has expressed a commitment to supporting the program.