Former NBA Player Oliver Miller Dies at 54
By Steve Gardner, USA TODAY
Former NBA player and University of Arkansas standout Oliver Miller has passed away at the age of 54.
The 6-foot-9 power forward and center had been battling cancer and receiving treatment in Phoenix. His passing was confirmed on Wednesday by both the Phoenix Suns and the National Basketball Retired Players Association.
Suns head coach Mike Budenholzer, speaking to the media before Wednesday’s game in Houston, shared his condolences and reflected on Miller’s impact.
“Growing up in Arizona, watching those teams in the late ’80s and early ’90s,” Budenholzer said. “He was an incredible passer, an incredible player … Seemed like a guy his teammates loved, brought a joy to the game, brought a joy to life.”
Miller was selected by the Suns in the first round of the 1992 NBA Draft, 22nd overall, after helping lead the Arkansas Razorbacks to the Final Four two years earlier.
As a rookie, he was part of the Suns team that reached the 1993 NBA Finals, where they fell to Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls in six games. Throughout 24 playoff games that year, Miller played a key role, averaging 7.2 points and 5.2 rebounds per game.
He spent eight seasons in the NBA, playing for five different teams from 1992 to 1998 before competing in semipro and overseas leagues. He returned for one final NBA season with the Minnesota Timberwolves in 2003-04.
Over his career, Miller appeared in 493 NBA games, posting averages of 7.4 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 2.2 assists per game.
The 6-9 power forward and center had been battling cancer and undergoing treatment in Phoenix.
