Former NBA center Oliver Miller passed away at the age of 54, the Phoenix Suns announced Wednesday.
Former NBAER and longtime TV analyst at The Suns, Eddie Johnson first revealed the news via a social media post.
“It's so sad that we report losing another @NBA Fraternity member! 9-year veteran Oliver Miller passed away at the age of 54! Johnson wrote.
With his own back post In late February, Miller announced he was fighting cancer.
Miller lovingly called “Big O” and played in the NBA for nine years in Phoenix, Toronto, Detroit, Minnesota, Dallas and Sacramento.
He played for four years at the University of Arkansas for manager Nolan Richardson of Naismith Hall of Fame, helping the Razorbacks lead three straight SEC regular seasons and tournament titles. He and Arkansas arrived at the Final Four in 1990, where they lost to Duke.
In a statementthe school's boys basketball team was “sad” at Miller's passing, calling him “a true embodiment of the Razorback spirit.”
Miller was a member of the team that reached the NBA Finals in the 1992 NBA Draft, 22nd overall by the Suns and reached the NBA Finals during the 1992-93 season, and came across Michael Jordan and the Bulls.
“Rest in peace, big O” Sands wrote in honor With X's post
He was the first member of the Raptors franchise in 1995.
“The Toronto Raptors are saddened to learn of the death of Oliver Miller, who spent three seasons with our organization.” They wrote in a statement. “He held a special place in our history as a member of our inauguration team in 1995 and is very grateful for all his contributions. We express our deep sadness to the Miller family.”
Miller averaged 7.4 points, 5.9 rebounds and 1.5 blocks per game during his NBA career, playing for overseas and semi-pro teams following the 1999-2000 NBA season.
He returned to the NBA for his final season in 2003-04.
