How ‘Put That on Top Shot!’ Became a New N.B.A. Mantra

Professional basketball players are buying and selling digital video highlights while preaching the tech industry’s cryptocurrency gospel.

Late in the third quarter of a March game between the Utah Jazz and the New Orleans Pelicans, Rudy Gobert, the Jazz’s 7-foot-1 center, caught a pass and slammed down a dunk as the Pelicans’ Josh Hart leapt to contest the shot. As the two National Basketball Association players jogged back down the court, television viewers could see Mr. Gobert bark out something to Mr. Hart. Trash talk? Sort of.