Oliver Miller, a former NBA center celebrated for his passing skills and agility, passed away on March 12, 2025, in Phoenix, Arizona, after a battle with brain cancer. He was 54 years old.
Throughout his career, Miller was known as “Big O” and gained prominence at the University of Arkansas, which paved the way for his nine-season NBA career, including an NBA Finals appearance in his first year.
Standing 6 feet 9 inches tall and weighing nearly 300 pounds during his career, Miller’s agility and court vision contrasted with his size, though his weight later increased to around 380 pounds.
Born in Fort Worth, Texas, Miller played at Arkansas from 1988 to 1992, contributing to Coach Nolan Richardson’s team’s journey to the 1990 NCAA Final Four, where they lost to Duke. In 1991, he was named Southwest Conference Player of the Year, playing a key role in securing three regular-season and three tournament titles in the Southwest Conference.
Miller holds several Arkansas records, including career field goal percentage (.636), most career blocked shots (345), and blocks per game (2.5).
“We are deeply saddened by the passing of Arkansas legend Oliver Miller,” the Razorbacks said in a social media post. “A key 1990 Final Four team member, an SWC Hall of Famer, a first-round NBA draft pick, and a true embodiment of the Razorback spirit. We love you, Big O. Our thoughts are with his family.”
The Phoenix Suns drafted Miller with the 22nd overall pick in the 1992 NBA Draft. He played a significant role in the Suns’ 1992-93 NBA Finals run, where they were defeated by Michael Jordan’s Chicago Bulls.
During his NBA career, Miller averaged 7.4 points, 5.9 rebounds, 2.2 assists, and 1.5 blocks per game over 493 games. At his peak, he averaged 12.9 points, 7.4 rebounds, 2.9 assists, 1.9 blocks, and 1.4 steals per game.
Miller played for various NBA teams, including the Phoenix Suns, Detroit Pistons, Toronto Raptors, Dallas Mavericks, Sacramento Kings, and Minnesota Timberwolves. Following his death, the Raptors acknowledged his contributions, recalling him as a crucial part of their inaugural team in 1995.
After his initial NBA career, Miller continued playing professionally in Europe, the Continental Basketball Association, the United States Basketball League, and the Harlem Globetrotters. He briefly returned to the NBA with the Minnesota Timberwolves in the 2003-04 season, ending his career in 2010 with the Lawton-Fort Sill Cavalry.
Miller’s career was marked by weight challenges, which often overshadowed his basketball talents. Despite these issues, his passing ability remained noteworthy for a player of his size.
In recognition of his achievements, Miller was inducted into the University of Arkansas Sports Hall of Honor in 2016 and named an SEC Basketball Legend in 2017. In 2024, he was also inducted into the Southwest Conference Hall of Fame.
During his illness, Miller’s former teammates from the Razorbacks showed their support, with reports of some fasting in hope of a recovery.
The basketball community expressed widespread sadness over Miller’s passing. The National Basketball Retired Players Association called him a “Legend” in their tribute on X, and the Toronto Raptors held a moment of silence to honor him.
In the years before his illness, Miller was involved in coaching youth basketball, sharing his expertise with younger players.
Miller leaves a complex but significant legacy in basketball, known for his distinctive physical presence and skills that enabled him to compete at the highest levels of the sport.