Former Toronto Raptors centre Oliver Miller has died.
“I am so sad to report we have lost another NBA fraternity member,” former NBA player and current Phoenix Suns analyst Eddie A. Johnson said in a post on X on Wednesday. “Going to miss you Big O.”
Miller was just 54 years old.
He died of cancer, according to Wally Hall, a sports columnist from the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette.
A moment of silence was held for Miller before tonight’s Raptors game at Scotiabank Arena.
The Raptors honour Oliver Miller with a moment of silence and a tribute from Herbie Kuhn. pic.twitter.com/yUvmYW91j2
— Adam Laskaris (@adam_la2karis) March 12, 2025
“The Toronto Raptors are saddened to learn of the passing of Oliver Miller, who spent three seasons with our organization,” the Raptors said in a statement.
“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.”
Picked in the expansion draft by Toronto before its inaugural season in 1995-96, Miller was an original member of the Raptors. The native of Fort Worth, Texas, started 72 of 76 games he played that season, scoring 12.9 points per game.
Nicknamed “The Big O” because of his first name and large stature, the 6-foot-8, 280-pound big man played parts of three seasons in Toronto. Miller also played for the Phoenix Suns, Detroit Pistons, Dallas Mavericks, and Sacramento Kings during his nine-year NBA career.
Before turning pro, Miller starred at the University of Arkansas, leading to him being chosen 22nd overall at the 1992 NBA Draft.
“We are deeply saddened by the passing of Arkansas legend Oliver Miller,” the Arkansas Razorbacks men’s basketball team added in a statement. “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.”
