The number zero on an NBA jersey has grow more than just a digit — it’s now viewed by many as a ominous symbol. In recent playoff seasons, several high-profile players wearing No. 0 have suffered devastating Achilles tendon injuries, sparking widespread discussion about what some are calling a persistent curse.
The latest incident occurred during the 2026 NBA playoffs when Donte DiVincenzo of the Minnesota Timberwolves ruptured his Achilles tendon in the opening minute of the fourth quarter of Game 4 in the Western Conference semifinals against the Denver Nuggets. The injury came just as DiVincenzo was playing at a high level, dealing a significant blow to Minnesota’s hopes in the series.
DiVincenzo’s injury marked the fourth instance in the last two seasons where a player wearing the No. 0 jersey sustained a season-ending Achilles tear during playoff action. The pattern has drawn attention from fans, analysts, and media outlets alike, with the Spanish sports publication MARCA highlighting the trend under the headline “Llevar el ‘0’, una maldición que persevera en la NBA” — translating to “Wearing the ‘0’, a curse that persists in the NBA.”
The three other players who suffered similar fates even as wearing No. 0 are Tyrese Haliburton of the Indiana Pacers, Jayson Tatum of the Boston Celtics, and Damian Lillard, then with the Milwaukee Bucks. All four injuries occurred during high-stakes playoff games, often at moments when the players were performing at peak levels.
Haliburton’s injury came during the 2025 NBA Finals Game 7 against the Oklahoma City Thunder. With the Pacers seeking to force overtime, Haliburton drove toward the basket in the first quarter, planted his foot, and immediately collapsed in pain. He was later diagnosed with a ruptured Achilles tendon, an injury that typically requires 9 to 12 months of recovery and rehabilitation.
Tatum sustained his Achilles injury during the 2024 Eastern Conference Finals while playing for the Boston Celtics. Despite having won the NBA Finals MVP the previous year, Tatum’s season ended abruptly when he went down mid-series, leaving Boston without its star forward during a crucial matchup.
Lillard’s injury occurred during the 2024 playoffs as well, while he was with the Milwaukee Bucks. Known for his clutch performances and deep-range shooting, Lillard’s season ended prematurely due to the same debilitating injury, affecting Milwaukee’s playoff aspirations.
These injuries have not only impacted the individual teams involved but have also fueled conversations about player workload, injury prevention, and the psychological toll of superstition in sports. While no scientific evidence supports the idea that a jersey number influences injury risk, the coincidence of four elite athletes wearing No. 0 suffering Achilles tears in playoff games over two seasons has captured public imagination.
Medical experts note that Achilles tendon ruptures are often the result of cumulative stress, explosive movements, and fatigue — factors prevalent during the intense NBA playoffs. The tendon, which connects the calf muscles to the heel bone, is particularly vulnerable during sudden accelerations, decelerations, or changes in direction, all common in basketball.
Despite the lack of causal link between jersey number and injury, the narrative has taken on a life of its own in fan communities and social media. Posts on platforms like Instagram and Facebook have highlighted the pattern, with some users expressing concern for any player who chooses to wear No. 0 moving forward.
The NBA has not issued any official statement regarding the trend, and league officials continue to emphasize that injuries are evaluated on an individual basis, with attention to biomechanics, training load, and medical history.
As of now, none of the four players — DiVincenzo, Haliburton, Tatum, or Lillard — have returned to full game action following their respective injuries. Rehabilitation timelines for Achilles tears vary, but most players miss the remainder of the season in which the injury occurs and often require significant time into the following season to regain pre-injury form.
For teams, losing a star player to such an injury mid-playoff run can alter trajectories dramatically. Adjustments in rotation, increased burden on role players, and shifts in offensive and defensive schemes become necessary — often with mixed results.
The psychological component should not be overlooked. Athletes are acutely aware of narratives surrounding them, and the repeated discussion of a “curse” may affect confidence or mindset, even if subconsciously. Sports psychologists note that while superstitions are common in athletics, external narratives can influence perception and focus.
Looking ahead, the focus remains on recovery and return-to-play protocols. Medical staff for each player’s respective team are overseeing individualized rehabilitation programs designed to restore strength, flexibility, and proprioception in the affected limb.
There is no verified timetable for any of the four players’ returns as of the latest available information. Updates are expected to come through official team announcements or league injury reports when significant milestones in recovery are reached.
The story of the No. 0 jersey in the NBA serves as a reminder of how thin the line can be between elite performance and sudden setback. While the idea of a curse remains unsubstantiated, the real-world impact of these injuries on teams, players, and fans is undeniable.
For now, the basketball world watches and waits — hoping for full recoveries and perhaps, in time, a new chapter for those who dare to wear the number zero.
Stay updated on player recoveries and NBA playoff developments by following official team sources and league communications. Share your thoughts on the discussion surrounding jersey numbers and athlete performance in the comments below.
