Oliver Miller, the former NBA big man and a member of the Phoenix Suns team that reached the NBA Finals in 1993, has died at the age of 54.
The NBA Players Union announced the news on X, writing: “The basketball community has lost a Legend. Our hearts are with the family, friends and fans of Oliver Miller.”
Suns broadcaster Eddie Johnson also posted the news on social media, writing: “I’m so sad to report we have lost another NBA Fraternity member. … Going to miss you Big O.”
A cause of death has not been announced, but Miller shared a video on his X account Feb. 27 that revealed he was dealing with cancer.
Miller played nine years in the NBA, breaking in with the Suns as a rookie in 1992. He was a first-round pick (No. 22) out of Arkansas, where the Razorbacks went 115-24 and were regular national title contenders during his four years there. Listed at 6 feet 9 and 280 pounds, Miller was known for his girth and was hard to move in the paint.
He played two seasons in Phoenix before signing with the Detroit Pistons as a free agent in 1994. Miller played only one season for the Pistons, however, as he was then selected by the Toronto Raptors in the 1995 expansion draft.
His 1995-96 season in Toronto was his finest, as he averaged a career-high 12.9 points per game and matched his career best in rebounding with 7.4 per game. The Raptors paid tribute to Miller on the video board during Wednesday night’s game against the Philadelphia 76ers.
The Toronto Raptors are saddened to learn of the passing of Oliver Miller, who spent three seasons with our organization. He holds a special place in our history as a member of our inaugural team in 1995, and we are so grateful for all his contributions. We send our deepest… pic.twitter.com/h6lUpoA6Uh
— Toronto Raptors (@Raptors) March 12, 2025
Miller would also play for the Dallas Mavericks and Sacramento Kings before making a brief return to Phoenix for the 1999-2000 campaign.
He became a bit of a basketball vagabond after that, having playing stints in Greece, Poland, the CBA, the USBL and even for the Harlem Globetrotters.
Miller returned to the NBA in 2003-04, averaging 2.5 points in 48 games (one start) with the Minnesota Timberwolves.
(Photo: Tim DeFrisco / Getty Images)
