The Toronto Raptors mourned the tragic passing of former NBA player Oliver Miller, who spent three seasons with the franchise.
On Wednesday, Miller's passing was revealed by former Sixth Man of the Year winner Eddie Johnson, who noted that the nine-year NBA veteran "passed away at age 54."
"I am so sad to report we have lost another @NBA Fraternity member!" Johnson wrote on X. "Nine year veteran Oliver Miller has passed away at age 54! Going to miss you Big O. RIP."
Both Miller and Johnson played for the Phoenix Suns, though not at the same time. Johnson was a member of the Suns from 1987 to 1990, while Miller was drafted by Phoenix in 1992 and stayed with the franchise until 1994. He also had a second stint with the franchise in the 1999-2000 season.
After news of Miller's passing emerged, his former teams expressed their heartbreak and made sure to remember the center for his contributions.
The Raptors, in particular, shared why Miller holds a "special" place in the team's history, as he's part of their inaugural team. The Toronto franchise was founded in 1995.
Miller was with the Raptors from 1995 to 1996, as well as during the 1997-98 season. His best year in the NBA came in Toronto's first campaign, in which he averaged 12.9 points, 7.4 rebounds, 2.9 assists, 1.4 steals and 1.9 blocks across 76 games.
"The Toronto Raptors are saddened to learn of the passing of Oliver Miller, who spent three seasons with our organization," the Raptors wrote. "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 condolences to the Miller family."
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
Oliver Miller has NBA career averages of 7.4 points, 5.9 rebounds, 2.2 assists and 1.5 blocks across nine seasons playing for the Suns, Raptors, Pistons, Minnesota Timberwolves, Dallas Mavericks and Sacramento Kings. He also played in Poland, Puerto Rico and China.
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This story was originally published March 12, 2025 at 5:33 PM.