What Happened to Oliver Miller? Former NBA Player Passes Away

It has been announced that Oliver Miller, a distinguished former NBA center who excelled at the University of Arkansas, passed away at the age of 54. Known as “The Big O”, Miller played for nine seasons in the NBA and was an integral part of the Phoenix Suns’ championship-winning team during the 1992-93 season. Additionally, he played a crucial role in guiding Arkansas to the Final Four in 1990 under legendary coach Nolan Richardson.

Here are the key details surrounding Oliver Miller’s death.

Oliver Miller passes away at 54, claims report

Sadly, we’ve lost Oliver Miller, a renowned ex-NBA center who made his mark playing basketball for the University of Arkansas, at the tender age of 54.

The Phoenix Suns confirmed his death on X, with former NBA player Eddie Johnson initially breaking the news on social media.)

As a devoted fan, I’ve learned that the specific cause wasn’t shared, but back in February, Miller courageously confided that he was fighting against cancer.

Miller, more commonly known as “The Big O”, spent nine seasons in the NBA following his selection as the 22nd overall pick in the 1992 NBA Draft by the Phoenix Suns. During his rookie year with the Suns, he was an integral part of the team that advanced to the NBA Finals. Throughout his professional basketball career, Miller donned jerseys for six different teams, which included the Suns, Toronto Raptors, Detroit Pistons, Minnesota Timberwolves, Dallas Mavericks, and Sacramento Kings. In the NBA, he averaged 7.4 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks per game. (via NBA)

From 1988 to 1992, Miller played basketball at the University of Arkansas under legendary coach Nolan Richardson. He played a significant role in guiding the team to the Final Four in 1990, though they ultimately fell to Duke. In recognition of his exceptional performance, he was named the Southwest Conference Player of the Year in 1991. Over the course of his four-year college career, he averaged 12.2 points and 6.5 rebounds per game.

Various teams and institutions that Miller previously worked for paid homage to him. The University of Arkansas basketball team characterized him as “a living embodiment of the Razorback spirit.” On Wednesday evening, prior to their match against the Philadelphia 76ers, the Toronto Raptors observed a moment of silence in tribute to Miller.

Apart from the NBA, Miller also played basketball abroad and at lower-tier leagues such as the Continental Basketball Association, the U.S. Basketball League, and with the Harlem Globetrotters.

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2025-03-13 08:10