Former NBA middle Oliver Miller dies at 54

Oliver Miller two times led the SEC in blocks whilst at Arkansas. (Getty Photographs)Oliver Miller, a large guy who performed for 6 groups in an NBA profession that spanned 9 season, has died, the Nationwide Basketball Retired Avid gamers Affiliation showed Wednesday. He used to be 54 years outdated.Phoenix Suns broadcaster Eddie Johnson first reported Miller’s loss of life.I’m so unhappy to record now we have misplaced every other @NBA Fraternity member! 9 12 months veteran Oliver Miller has gave up the ghost at age 54! Going to pass over you Large O. 🙏🏿🙏🏿🙏🏿🙏🏿. RIP— Eddie A Johnson (@Jumpshot8) March 12, 2025Arkansas later posted its personal observation of mourning.We’re deeply saddened by means of the passing of Arkansas legend Oliver Miller. A key member of the 1990 Ultimate 4 staff, an SWC Corridor of Famer, a primary spherical NBA draft pick out and a real embodiment of the Razorback spirit.We adore you Large O. Our ideas are together with his circle of relatives. 🐗❤️ %.twitter.com/7b7eIvyM0T— Arkansas Razorbacks Males’s Basketball 🐗 (@RazorbackMBB) March 12, 2025A Citadel Value, Texas local, Miller used to be decided on twenty second general within the 1992 NBA Draft after 4 years at Arkansas. Enjoying below Naismith Corridor of Status trainer Nolan Richardson and along fellow first-rounders Todd Day and Lee Mayberry, he helped start a golden age of Razorbacks basketball, main this system to a few immediately SEC common season and event titles and the 1990 Ultimate 4.As an NBA participant, Miller performed for the Suns, Detroit Pistons, Toronto Raptors, Dallas Mavericks, Sacramento Kings and Minnesota Timberwolves, averaging 7.4 issues, 5.9 rebounds and 1.5 blocks in step with recreation. He used to be a rookie at the 1992-93 Suns staff that reached the NBA Finals and bumped into Michael Jordan.The 6-foot-9 Miller used to be indexed at 280 kilos and weighed extra later in his profession, however he additionally displayed a really feel for the sport that made him greater than a regular 90s middle.Miller left the NBA in 2000 and performed in leagues in Poland, Puerto Rico and China in addition to smaller U.S.-based leagues for 4 years, however returned in 2003-04 for one final stint with the Timberwolves, averaging 10.5 mins in step with recreation as a 33-year-old.In retirement, Miller encountered prison troubles. He used to be sentenced to a 12 months in prison in 2012 for first-degree attack and ownership of a handgun after pistol-whipping his female friend’s brother at a fish fry in Maryland.Miller used to be later reported to be residing in Phoenix in 2020, residing very easily on his NBA ownership and spending time together with his grandchildren.