Oliver Miller, a former NBA center recognized for his passing ability and agility despite his size, passed away on March 12, 2025, in Phoenix, Arizona, following a battle with brain cancer. He was 54.
During his career, Miller earned the nickname “Big O” and made a mark at the University of Arkansas before starting a nine-season NBA career, which included a trip to the NBA Finals in his rookie year.
Standing 6 feet 9 inches tall and weighing close to 300 pounds during his career, Miller’s size later increased to approximately 380 pounds. Nevertheless, he was known for his mobility and court awareness that transcended his physical stature.
Born in Fort Worth, Texas, Miller played four seasons at Arkansas from 1988 to 1992. He contributed to coach Nolan Richardson’s Razorbacks reaching the 1990 NCAA Final Four, where they were defeated by Duke. In 1991, Miller was named Southwest Conference Player of the Year, playing a crucial role in three Southwest Conference regular-season titles and three SWC Tournament victories during his college years.
Miller maintains several Arkansas records, including career field goal percentage (.636), most blocked shots (345), and blocks per game (2.5).
“We are deeply saddened by the passing of Arkansas legend Oliver Miller,” the Razorbacks shared 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 selected Miller as the 22nd overall pick in the 1992 NBA Draft. In his rookie season, he helped the Suns reach the NBA Finals, where they were defeated by Michael Jordan’s Chicago Bulls in the 1992-93 season.
Throughout 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, reflecting his versatility.
Miller played for multiple NBA teams, including the Phoenix Suns, Detroit Pistons, Toronto Raptors, Dallas Mavericks, Sacramento Kings, and Minnesota Timberwolves. Following his death, the Raptors recognized his contributions to their team’s history, recalling his role in their inaugural team in 1995.
After his initial NBA tenure, Miller continued his professional basketball career in Europe and with 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 before ending his career in 2010 with the Lawton-Fort Sill Cavalry.
Miller’s career was marked by challenges with weight issues, which often overshadowed his notable basketball skills. Despite these difficulties, his passing ability was uncommon for someone of his size and position.
In recognition of his achievements at the collegiate level, 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.
Miller’s former teammates from Arkansas demonstrated their support during his illness, with some reportedly fasting for days in hopes of a recovery for their friend.
The basketball community expressed widespread grief over Miller’s passing. The National Basketball Retired Players Association referred to him as a “Legend” in a tribute on X, and the Toronto Raptors observed a moment of silence in his memory.
In the years before his illness, Miller was involved in coaching youth basketball, sharing his knowledge of the game with younger generations.
Miller’s legacy in basketball is marked by his distinctive presence on the court and the skills that enabled him to compete at the highest levels of the sport.
