The Utah Jazz did not play stars Lauri Markkanen and Jaren Jackson Jr. in the fourth quarter of recent close games as they appeared to find a loophole in the NBA’s player participation policy, resulting in the league signaling a hefty fine.

Utah Jazz forward Jaren Jackson Jr. was replaced by head coach Will Hardy before the fourth quarter of this month’s games against the Orlando Magic and Miami Heat

The NBA has fined the Utah Jazz and Indiana Pacers, with the league saying both teams have fielded healthy players in recent games and noting that conduct that compromises their integrity will not be tolerated.

Utah, which has won just 18 of 56 games this season, seemed to have found a loophole in the NBA’s player participation policy, but the league sent a message by fining the Jazz $500,000.

The NBA also docked the Indiana Pacers $100,000 for blocking Pascal Siakam and two other starters against the Jazz.

The policy, which will be implemented in September 2023, is designed to discourage teams from intentionally losing games to improve their chances in the draft lottery.

This strategy, known as “tanking,” is used by coaches to boost draft rankings by fielding a non-competitive team, essentially giving up wins.

This year’s draft is considered the strongest in several years, potentially motivating clubs like the Jazz to position themselves with high draft picks.

Lauri Markkanen hasn’t played in the fourth quarter of recent close games

In recent close games, the Jazz have not used stars Lauri Markkanen and Jaren Jackson Jr. in the fourth quarter. Both played three quarters in recent road games against the Miami Heat and Orlando Magic. The Magic came back from 17 points behind to win 120-117, but the Jazz defeated the Heat 115-111.

Jazz head coach Will Hardy was asked after the Miami game if he would consider playing Markkanen and Jackson in the fourth quarter.

“I didn’t,” Hardy said simply.

Hardy also said after the loss to the Portland Trail Blazers that he was following the advice of the team’s medical staff.

“I sat Lawrie because he was on a minutes restriction,” he said. “So if our medical staff places a minutes restriction on Lowry, I will do my best to keep Lowry healthy.”

Jackson’s playing time has been limited due to a growing knee.

The NBA said in fining the Jazz that “these players were able to continue playing, but the outcome of the game thereafter remains in question.”

The Pacers (15-40) and Jazz (18-38) are among the bottom six teams in the league.

NBA commissioner Adam Silver said in a statement that the competition committee and team owners will work to “take further steps to eradicate this type of behavior.”

“This public behavior of prioritizing draft position over winning undermines the foundation of NBA competition, and we will respond accordingly to any further behavior that undermines the integrity of our game,” Silver said.

Silver will likely discuss the topic further when he meets with the media during the All-Star Weekend in Los Angeles on Saturday.

“Agree to disagree,” Jazz owner Ryan Smith posted on social media. “And we won the game in Miami and got fined? That makes sense.”

AJ Dybantsa considered team-changing draft pick

BYU’s AJ Dybantsa is considered a possible top-three pick, along with Duke’s Cameron Boozer and Kansas’ Darrin Peterson, and could change the team’s draft picks.

But it’s also a deep draft, and just being in the lottery means there’s still a chance to sign a game-changing player.

Led by CEO Danny Ainge and his son and team president Austin, the Jazz are trying to return to their glory days. In the 1990s, the teams composed of John Stockton and Karl Malone were strong championship contenders, reaching the NBA Finals in 1997 and 1998.