Bobby Portis Jr reveals the surprising reason behind his new Miami Heat jersey number

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 actor.

Other times, it comes via a sign, as with Bobby Portis Jr.’s new trick with the Miami Heat.

Literally. On a highway.

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Portis was sent 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.

This means a new beginning for the former Bull, Wizard and Knick.

Part of that means abandoning the No. 9 he used in Milwaukee and adopting the unconventional No. 95 he will use in Miami.

Portis explained what inspired his new numbers.

“I didn’t want to wear No. 9 when I was taking my stuff to Miami because that’s a Milwaukee thing for me,” he explained. “So I wanted to make a change. I was looking at the sign and it said ’95 South’. If you don’t know, you can take 95 all the way to Miami. So 95 is where I am right now.”

Wow. This must be the first time anyone has been inspired by I-95. If it inspires anything, it’s usually fear.

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Most of us see a giant highway sign, but Bobby Portis Jr. He sees the next jersey number. ((Photo: Stephen Morton/Getty Images))

Normally my first thought when I see these signs is: “Damn, I guess this will be the fastest and most direct way to get from point A to point B, right?”

Hey, whatever works.

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Of course, Portis noted that this number has a slight plus since he was also born in 1995.

But that doesn’t mean you see the I-95 sign and say “Eureka!” I like that it takes a backseat to the fact that he said it.