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Oliver Miller started plenty of games for Toronto in three stints with club.
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Published Mar 12, 2025 • Last updated 13 minutes ago • 1 minute read
Oliver Miller
Back in the day, Oliver Miller seems happy to be back with the Toronto Raptors as he gives GM Isiah Thomas a hug. Photo by Toronto Sun /File photo
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Sad news arrived prior to tipoff Wednesday. Oliver Miller, one of the original Toronto Raptors, died at the age of 54. The Raptors confirmed the news, which was originally posted on X by former NBAer Eddie Johnson.
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Miller was the final pick of the 1995 NBA expansion draft involving the Raptors and Vancouver Grizzlies and went on to start 72 of 76 games for the inaugural Raptors, averaging career highs of 12.9 points, 7.4 rebounds and 2.9 assists for Brendan Malone’s team, including 35 points in the final game of the season.
Miller, who was listed at 280 pounds, was released after the season though, catching on with the Dallas Mavericks. He would return to the Raptors for 19 games in 1996-97, starting eight, and was signed for a third stint about a month into the 1997-98 campaign, going on to make 64 more appearances, including 53 starts in that disastrous year, the worst in franchise history (the 16-66 team would see star player Damon Stoudamire traded after original general manager Isiah Thomas quit).
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Glen Grunwald, who took over as general manager from Thomas and would go on to lead the franchise to its first successful years, remembered Miller positively.
The Toronto Raptors are saddened to learn of the passing of Oliver Miller, who spent three seasons with our organization. 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. We send our deepest… pic.twitter.com/h6lUpoA6Uh
— Toronto Raptors (@Raptors) March 12, 2025
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“You know, he was a real talent,” Grunwald told Postmedia Wednesday.
“A great feel for the game, great hands, really smart player. But obviously he had a weight issue that held him back, unfortunately,” Grunwald said.
I am so sad to report we have lost another @NBA Fraternity member! Nine year veteran Oliver Miller has passed away at age 54! Going to miss you Big O. 🙏🏿🙏🏿🙏🏿🙏🏿. RIP
— Eddie A Johnson (@Jumpshot8) March 12, 2025
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“He was a nice guy, and you hate to hear that kind of news.”
Miller was the only Raptor to sign and play with the team three separate times. He was a key bench piece on the Phoenix Suns team that made the 1993 NBA Finals, and also a star at Arkansas, including a Final Four appearance, leading to his selection by the Suns with the 22nd pick of the 1992 draft.
We are deeply saddened by the passing of Arkansas legend Oliver Miller. 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. 🐗❤️ pic.twitter.com/7b7eIvyM0T
— Arkansas Razorbacks Men’s Basketball 🐗 (@RazorbackMBB) March 12, 2025
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