Oliver Miller, a member of the Toronto Raptors during his inaugural season in 1995-96, has died. He was 54 years old.
The Raptors announced Miller’s death on Wednesday and maintained a moment of silence for him before his party against the Filadelphia 76ers in the HoldicaBank Arena. There was no cause of death.
Miller, affectionately known as “The Big or”, played in parts of three seasons for two periods in Toronto from 1995 to 1998.
The six -feet and 280 -pound center of Fort Worth, Texas, was recruited in the first round, 22 in general, by the Phoenix Suns in 1992 after a star basketball career with the Razorbacks of the University of Arkansas.
He played nine NBA seasons for the Suns, Raptors, Detroit Pistons, Dallas Mavericks and Sacramento Kings, averaging 7.4 points and 5.9 rebounds during a 492 games race.
Miller registered race maximums during the inaugural campaign of Toronto with 12.9 points and 7.4 rebounds per game.
“The Toronto Raptors saddens themselves when they learn about Oliver Miller’s death,” the team said in a statement. “He has a special place in our history as a member of our inaugural team in 1995, and we are very grateful for all its contributions.
“We send our deepest condolences to the Miller family.”
Miller was the last choice of the 1995 expansion draft that also involved the Grizzlies of Vancouver, leaving the Pistons to join the Raptors.
“I am very sad to inform that we have lost another member of the NBA fraternity! The nine -year -old veteran Oliver Miller died at age 54,” said former player Eddie Johnson, now Suns colored analyst. “I’m going to miss you Big O. Rip.”
