Oliver Miller, member of Toronto Raptors' inaugural team, dead at 54

The Canadian Press

· Posted: Mar 13, 2025 9:06 AM EDT | Last Updated: 4 minutes ago

 Oliver Miller, a subordinate of the Toronto Raptors during their inaugural play successful 1995-96, has died. He was 54.

The Raptors announced Miller's decease Wednesday and held a infinitesimal of soundlessness for him earlier their crippled against the Philadelphia 76ers astatine Scotiabank Arena. The origin of decease was not given.

Miller, affectionately known arsenic "The Big O," played successful parts of 3 seasons during 2 stints successful Toronto from 1995 to 1998.

The six-foot-nine, 280-pound centre from Fort Worth, Texas, was drafted successful the archetypal round, 22nd overall, by the Phoenix Suns successful 1992 aft a stellar assemblage hoops vocation with the University of Arkansas Razorbacks.

He played 9 NBA seasons for the Suns, Raptors, Detroit Pistons, Dallas Mavericks and Sacramento Kings, averaging 7.4 points and 5.9 rebounds during a 492-game career.

Miller posted vocation highs during Toronto's inaugural run with 12.9 points and 7.4 rebounds per game.

"The Toronto Raptors are saddened to larn of the passing of Oliver Miller," the squad said successful a statement. "He holds a peculiar spot successful our past arsenic a subordinate of our inaugural squad successful 1995, and we are truthful grateful for each his contributions.

"We nonstop our deepest condolences to the Miller family."

Miller was the past prime of the 1995 enlargement draught that besides progressive the Vancouver Grizzlies, leaving the Pistons to articulation the Raptors.

"I americium truthful bittersweet to study we person mislaid different NBA Fraternity member! Nine twelvemonth seasoned Oliver Miller has passed distant astatine property 54," said erstwhile subordinate Eddie Johnson, present a colour expert with the Suns. "Going to miss you Big O. RIP."