Key Takeaways
- Former NBA center Oliver Miller, known as “The Big O,” has passed away at age 54 after battling cancer.
- Miller had a successful basketball career spanning the NBA and international leagues, playing for teams including the Phoenix Suns and Toronto Raptors while earning over $7 million in NBA salary.
- Despite his talent as a passer and defender, Miller’s career was challenged by significant weight issues and off-court controversies, including being released from the Harlem Globetrotters.
Oliver Miller, the former NBA center known for his powerful presence on the court, has passed away at the age of 54.
His demise was confirmed by several of his former teams and the National Basketball Retired Players Association.
I may not have been at the draft. I may not shook David Sterns hand on stage. But I was blessed to hear my name called for the 22nd pick to the Phoenix Suns. Congrats to all the young men who get the chance to live their dreams. God bless. pic.twitter.com/ioOILdckZE
— Oliver Miller (@Omiller03) June 23, 2023
While the cause of de*th was not officially disclosed, Arkansas had previously announced that Miller was battling cancer.
Just last month, he had acknowledged a tribute video from his former team on social media, expressing gratitude for the support.
Oliver Miller’s Basketball Career
Nicknamed “The Big O” due to his towering 6-foot-9 frame and substantial weight, Miller was a dominant force in college and professional basketball.
He played for the Arkansas Razorbacks from 1988 to 1992, averaging 12.2 points and 6.5 rebounds per game.
Nice head cover. #justayoungmanfromsouthsidefunkytown #ToBeBetterDoBetter pic.twitter.com/MY7Xu346zZ
— Oliver Miller (@Omiller03) March 28, 2023
His efforts contributed significantly to Arkansas’ Final Four run in 1990 under Hall of Fame coach Nolan Richardson. He later earned the Southwest Conference Player of the Year title in 1991.
Miller was drafted by the Phoenix Suns in the first round of the 1992 NBA Draft, securing the No. 22 overall pick.
From sweet 16 to soccer games on Saturday. Gpa duties never stop. Gotta love em. #justayoungmanfromsouthsidefunkytown #ToBeBetterDoBetter pic.twitter.com/9yIo5jpQRR
— Oliver Miller (@Omiller03) March 25, 2023
He played for several NBA teams, including the Suns, Detroit Pistons, Toronto Raptors, Dallas Mavericks, Sacramento Kings, and Minnesota Timberwolves.
His career was marked by solid performances, averaging 7.4 points and 5.9 rebounds per game. He also had international stints, playing in Greece, Poland, and Italy, as well as for the Harlem Globetrotters.
Oliver Miller’s Net Worth And Earnings
Oliver Miller’s total reported NBA earnings stand at $7,145,338. However, when adjusted for inflation, his career earnings amount to approximately $14,567,904 in today’s dollars.
Below is a breakdown of his NBA salary over the years:
| Season | Team | Salary (Original) | Adjusted for Inflation |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2003/04 | Minnesota Timberwolves | $686,838 | $1,174,672 |
| 1999/00 | Phoenix Suns | $510,000 | $964,074 |
| 1998/99 | Sacramento Kings | $600,000 | $1,156,472 |
| 1996/97 | Dallas Mavericks | $247,500 | $496,224 |
| 1995/96 | Toronto Raptors | $2,372,000 | $4,886,708 |
| 1994/95 | Detroit Pistons | $1,540,000 | $3,269,118 |
| 1993/94 | Phoenix Suns | $672,000 | $1,462,088 |
| 1992/93 | Phoenix Suns | $517,000 | $1,158,548 |
| Total | Various | $7,145,338 | $14,567,904 |
Miller’s earnings came not only from his NBA contracts but also from playing overseas and for independent leagues.
His financial situation after retirement remains unclear, but he reportedly worked as a car salesman in Mesa, Arizona, for former basketball player Alvin Heggs.
Miller’s Challenges And Controversies
Throughout his career, Oliver Miller struggled with weight issues, which significantly impacted his longevity in the NBA.
He started his career weighing around 270 lbs but later exceeded 380 lbs, which affected his mobility and conditioning.
#WPS #justayoungmanfromsouthsidefunkytown #ToBeBetterDoBetter pic.twitter.com/TOxQ3pUIEk
— Oliver Miller (@Omiller03) July 22, 2022
Despite these struggles, he remained a talented passer and defender, averaging notable numbers during his peak seasons.
Off the court, Miller faced several setbacks. In December 2001, he was released from the Harlem Globetrotters for what the organization cited as a lack of mental and physical preparation.
Furthermore, he briefly joined the Lawton-Fort Sill Cavalry in 2010 of the Premier Basketball League but was released in December of that year.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- Oliver Miller was a father to two boys and one girl.
- As of September 2020, reports indicated he had retired and was residing in Phoenix, where he reportedly weighed 278 pounds (126 kilograms).
- He was said to be dividing his time between running basketball camps and enjoying activities with his grandchildren.
