It’s always interesting to hear how athletes come up with their jersey numbers. Sometimes there’s a deep story, or it’s a tribute to another player.
Other times, as is the case with Bobby Portis Jr.’s new number with the Miami Heat, it comes by way of a sign.
A literal one. On a highway.
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Portis was dealt by the Milwaukee Bucks to the Miami Heat along with Bucks teammate Giannis Antetokounmpo in exchange for Nate Ament, Tyler Herro, Kasparas Jakucionis, Jaime Jaquez Jr., Kel’el Ware, and a number of draft picks.
That means a fresh start is in order for the former Bull, Wizard and Knick.
Part of that means moving on from the No. 9 he used in Milwaukee and adopting the somewhat unusual No. 95 he’ll use in Miami.
Portis explained what inspired his new digits.
“When I was driving my stuff down to Miami, I didn’t want to wear No. 9 because that’s a Milwaukee thing for me,” he explained. “So, I wanted to change it up a little bit. I was looking up at the sign and it said ‘95 South.’ And if you don’t know, you can take 95 all the way to Miami. So 95 is where I’m at now.”
Wow. This has to be the first time anyone has ever been inspired by I-95. If it inspires anything, it’s usually dread.
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Normally, when I see those signs, my first thought is more like, “Crap, I guess this is just going to be the fastest, most direct way to get from A to B, isn’t it?”
Hey, whatever works.
Of course, Portis noted that there’s a little bonus with the number, as he was born in 1995 as well.
But I love that this was secondary to the fact that he saw a sign for I-95 and was like, “Eureka!”
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