Legendary NBA center and Ankansas superstar Oliver Miller died this Wednesday. He was 54.
The National Basketball Retired Players Association announced the news of his death. Although no specific cause of death was included in the announcement, people have speculated that it may be related to his battle with an undisclosed type of cancer.
The basketball community has lost a Legend. Our hearts are with the family, friends and fans of Oliver Miller.#LegendsForever pic.twitter.com/ip6Ri1DHBh
— NBA Alumni 🏀 (@NBAalumni) March 12, 2025
Oliver Miller’s cancer diagnosis was made public during an event honoring Arkansas’ 1990 Final Four team in February. Miller himself posted about his battle with cancer on his social media account during the same month, and fans and people from within his circle showered him with support and well-wishes.
Known affectionately as “The Big O,” Miller played for six NBA teams over nine seasons, averaging 7.4 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks per game. Miller’s basketball career began at the University of Arkansas, where he was a standout performer from 1988 to 1992.
Miller helped the Razorbacks reach the Final Four in 1990 and earned Southwest Conference Player of the Year honors in 1991. He was then eventually drafted by the Phoenix Suns with the 22nd overall pick in the 1992 NBA Draft and played a key role in the Suns’ run to the NBA Finals in 1993.
Throughout his NBA career, Miller played for the Suns, Detroit Pistons, Toronto Raptors, Dallas Mavericks, Sacramento Kings, and Minnesota Timberwolves. His best season came in 1995-96 with the Raptors, where he averaged 12.9 points and 7.4 rebounds per game. Miller also played in various international leagues and with the Harlem Globetrotters.
Basketball Industry Mourns The Death of Oliver Miller
The basketball industry joined the friends and family of Oliver Miller in mourning his death, as people from within the industry recalled and celebrated his legacy to the sport.
The Arkansas Razorbacks Men’s Basketball, where Miller played and became a legend for the program, posted a tribute to the late star on their X account. “We are deeply saddened by the passing of Arkansas legend Oliver Miller. A key member of the 1990 Final Four team, 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.”
In a statement, the Toronto Raptors also extended their heartfelt condolences to the bereaved of Miller.
“The Toronto Raptors are saddened to learn of the passing of Oliver Miller, who spent three seasons with our organization,” the team said. “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 condolences to the Miller family.”
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