Former Phoenix Suns big man Oliver Miller, nicknamed “The Big O,” died Wednesday at 54, the team confirmed Wednesday.
The death also was confirmed by longtime Suns television analyst Eddie Johnson and the National Basketball Retired Players Association.
He was battling cancer in Phoenix, according to a post by Miller on his X account Feb. 27.
Miller was a first-round pick (No. 22 overall) by the Suns in 1992 out of Arkansas, where he helped the Razorbacks reach the Final Four in 1990 under coach Nolan Richardson.
He later was a key to the Suns’ run to the NBA Finals in 1993, averaging 7.2 points, 5.2 rebounds and 2.5 blocks over 24 playoff games.
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Suns coach Mike Budenholzer, speaking to the media prior to Wednesday’s game at Houston, said he learned of Miller’s death earlier Thursday and offered his condolences to Miller’s family.
He said didn’t have a personal connection with Miller, but recalled Miller’s days with the Suns. Budenholzer grew up a Suns fan in Holbrook.
“Growing up in Arizona, watching those teams, late ’80s, early ’90s,” Budenholzer said. “What an incredible passer, incredible player, you know. Hands and touch and feel. Seemed like a guy his teammates loved him, brought a joy to the game, brought a joy to life.”
The Suns confirmed Miller’s death on their X account.
Former Suns owner Jerry Colangelo recalled when the team first identified Miller prior to the 1992-93 season.
“I remember our discussion in particular with (coach) Paul Westphal and (team executive) Cotton Fitzsimmons, and myself and Bryan Colangelo about the draft and what we were looking at,” Colangelo said. “And it involved a couple of people: Richard Dumas, Oliver Miller. They weren’t wrapped in a bow or ribbon. They came with a little bit of tarnish or question marks.”
Colangelo explained Miller’s versatility as a 6-foot-9 big with a rotund frame over 300 pounds.
“He played bigger than his body in size, believe it or not,” Colangelo said. “He had long arms, great hands, he was a terrific passer and he was a rebounder and could block shots. Although, he wasn’t a big jumper. He was unique talent and I would say this: without him, I’m not sure how far we would’ve gotten. He played an integral part on those teams for a few years. And he always fought a weight problem. He really had a very big problem in that sense.”
Colangelo noticed Miller’s physique looked toned down and healthier at recent Suns outings, Hall of Fame golf tournaments. He didn’t know Miller was fighting cancer until last year.
Cedric Ceballos, a teammate of Miller’s in Phoenix, posted his thoughts Wednesday on X.
After playing in the NBA from 1992-98, Miller played for semi-pro teams and overseas before returning to play 48 games for the Minnesota Timberwolves during the 2003-04 season.
Miller played a total of 493 games over nine NBA seasons.
The official account of Arkansas Razorbacks men’s basketball on X wrote: “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.”
Johnson posted the news on his X account.
Miller played for the Suns (1992–94, 1999–2000), Pistons (1994–95), Raptors (1995–96 and 1997–98), Mavericks (1996–97), Kings (1998–99) and Timberwolves (2003-04).
The Arizona Republic’s Duane Rankin and Dana Scott contributed to this report.
(This story has been updated to add new information.)
