Oliver Miller, the former NBA center known for his exceptional passing skills and size-defying agility, died on March 12, 2025, in Phoenix, Arizona, after battling brain cancer. He was 54.
During his playing days, Miller was affectionately nicknamed “Big O” and was a standout at the University of Arkansas before embarking on a nine-season NBA journey, including a trip to the NBA Finals in his rookie season.
Miller stood 6 feet, 9 inches tall, and weighed nearly 300 pounds during his playing days. Despite his hefty frame, which eventually reached approximately 380 pounds later in his career, Miller displayed remarkable mobility and court vision that belied his size.
Born in Fort Worth, Texas, Miller played four seasons at Arkansas from 1988 to 1992, where he helped legendary coach Nolan Richardson’s Razorbacks reach the 1990 NCAA Final Four before losing to Duke. Miller earned Southwest Conference Player of the Year honors in 1991 and was instrumental in three Southwest Conference regular-season championships and three SWC Tournament titles during his college career.
Miller still holds several Arkansas records, including career field goal percentage (.636), most blocked shots in a career (345), and blocks per game in a career (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 selected Miller with the 22nd overall pick in the 1992 NBA Draft. As a rookie, he contributed to the Suns’ NBA Finals run, where they ultimately fell to Michael Jordan’s Chicago Bulls in the 1992-93 season.
Over his NBA career, Miller averaged 7.4 points, 5.9 rebounds, 2.2 assists, and 1.5 blocks per game across 493 games. At his peak, these numbers improved to 12.9 points, 7.4 rebounds, 2.9 assists, 1.9 blocks, and 1.4 steals per game, showcasing his all-around abilities.
Miller played for several NBA franchises, including the Phoenix Suns, Detroit Pistons, Toronto Raptors, Dallas Mavericks, Sacramento Kings, and Minnesota Timberwolves. Following his death, the Raptors acknowledged his contribution to their franchise history. They remembered Miller as a vital part of their first-ever team in 1995 and appreciated everything he brought to the franchise.
After his initial NBA stint, Miller continued his professional basketball career in Europe, the Continental Basketball Association, the United States Basketball League, and the Harlem Globetrotters. He made a brief NBA comeback with the Minnesota Timberwolves during the 2003-04 season before ending his playing career in 2010 with the Lawton-Fort Sill Cavalry.
Throughout his career, Miller was known for his struggle with weight issues, which often overshadowed his considerable basketball talents. Despite these challenges, his skill set remained impressive, particularly his passing ability, which was unusual for a player of his size and position.
In recognition of his collegiate accomplishments, Miller was inducted into the University of Arkansas Sports Hall of Honor in 2016 and selected as an SEC Basketball Legend in 2017. In 2024, he was also inducted into the Southwest Conference Hall of Fame.
Miller’s former Razorback teammates showed their deep connection to him during his illness, with reports that some fasted for days in hopes of a miracle for their ailing friend.
The basketball community has expressed widespread sadness over Miller’s passing. The National Basketball Retired Players Association referred to him as a “Legend” in their tribute on X, and the Toronto Raptors held a moment of silence to honor his memory.
In recent years before his illness, Miller had been coaching youth basketball, continuing to share his knowledge of the game with younger generations.
Miller leaves behind a complicated but undeniably impactful legacy in basketball, remembered for his unique physical presence on the court and the skill that allowed him to compete at the highest levels of the sport.
