Oliver Miller, one of the NBA’s heaviest ever players, dies at 54: What was the cause of death?

Former NBA center Oliver Miller, a player known as “The Big O” for his tall, beefy frame, has died at the age of 54.

Miller’s former college basketball team, the Arkansas Razorbacks, had announced last month that the Texas native was battling cancer.

Who was Oliver Miller?

A first-round Draft pick in 1992, Miller spent nine seasons in the NBA, playing for the Phoenix Suns, Detroit Pistons, Toronto Raptors, Dallas Mavericks, Sacramento Kings and Minnesota Timberwolves.

During his time in the NBA, Miller’s weight reportedly rose to over 300lbs, making the 6ft 9in big man one of the heaviest players in the league’s history. He averaged 7.4 points and 5.9 rebounds in North America’s elite competition.

Before making the step up to professional basketball, Miller enjoyed a successful college career with Arkansas, winning the Southwest Conference’s Men’s Basketball Player of the Year award in 1991.

Miller, who averaged 12.2 points and 6.5 rebounds in his four seasons with the Razorbacks, was part of the Arkansas team that reached the March Madness Final Four in 1990, losing to the Duke Blue Devils in the semi-finals.

“True embodiment of Razorback spirit”

“We are deeply saddened by the passing of Arkansas legend Oliver Miller,” the Razorbacks said in a statement on Wednesday. “A key member of the 1990 Final Four team, an SWC Hall of Famer, a first round NBA draft pick and a true embodiment of the Razorback spirit.

“We love you Big O. Our thoughts are with his family.”

Cancer announced during Final Four team tribute

Last month, during a commemoration event for the Arkansas team that reached the Final Four 35 years ago, the Razorbacks paid tribute to Miller, telling fans: “The Big O is now waging a fight that is far more important than basketball. He continues his courageous battle with cancer.”

Reacting on X, Miller wrote in his final post on the social-media platform: “Means a lot. Still [i]n tears.”

“Basketball community has lost a legend”

Along with the Razorbacks, Miller’s former NBA teams have expressed their sadness at the news of his death. The Suns, who brought him into the league as the No. 22 pick, posted on X: “Rest in Peace, Big O.” The Raptors added: “He holds a special place in our history as a member of our inaugural team in 1995, and we are so grateful for all his contributions.”

Meanwhile, the National Basketball Retired Players Association said: “The basketball community has lost a Legend. Our hearts are with the family, friends and fans of Oliver Miller.”

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