Former Suns center Oliver Miller dead at 54
Former Phoenix Suns center Oliver Miller, who was a part of the 1993 NBA Finals team, has died at the age of 54.
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Former Phoenix center Oliver Miller, who was a part of the 1993 NBA Finals team, has died at the age of 54, according to Suns color analyst Eddie Johnson.
“I am so sad to report we have lost another NBA Fraternity member!” Johnson said in a post on social media. “Nine-year veteran Oliver Miller has passed away at age 54! Going to miss you Big O. RIP.”
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. 🐗❤️ pic.twitter.com/7b7eIvyM0T
— Arkansas Razorbacks Men’s Basketball 🐗 (@RazorbackMBB) March 12, 2025
Phoenix teammate Cedric Ceballos also paid his respects on Wednesday.
“Big O aka Oliver Miller,” Ceballos wrote in a social media post. “This one is hurting. Want to hear you laugh One more time … Bro.”
Miller joined Phoenix as a first-round pick (No. 22 overall) out of Arkansas in 1992.
The big man appeared in 56 regular season games (one start) as a rookie, but it was his impact during Phoenix’s NBA Finals run that fans will remember most.
In 24 games, he averaged 7.2 points, 5.2 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 2.5 blocks across 21.4 minutes per contest that included a pair of double-double efforts.
“Thoughts and prayers and condolences to his family, to his friends,” Phoenix head coach Mike Budenholzer told reporters ahead of his team’s game against Houston. “Growing up in Arizona, watching those teams … what an incredible passer, what an incredible player. Hands and touch and feel.
“Seemed like a guy that his teammates loved. Brought a joy to the game, brought a joy to life. Sad for the Suns family, for the Suns fans and obviously his family. Thoughts and prayers with them.”
Where else did Oliver Miller play?
In addition to two stints with the Suns (1992-94, 1999-2000), Miller played for Detroit (1994-95), Toronto (1995-98), Dallas (1996-97), Sacramento (1998-99) and Minnesota (2003-04).
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Comments
24 Comments
Sad news....always liked Oliver Miller and he was an integral part of the Greatest Suns team ever.
Well that's sad. I remember going to a Suns free preseason practice his rookie year and watching him. Dude could inbound the ball from under the basket and chuck it to nearly the other end like it was a softball.
RIP Big O
The Big "O". We have a foam finger forming the shape of the letter O that the Suns were selling 30 years ago promoting him. RIP big fella, you're not forgotten among long time Suns loyals.