Oliver Miller is a retired American basketball player best known for his size, skillful passing, and presence as a center in the NBA. His talent and versatility on the court earned him a nearly decade-long professional career.
Oliver Miller was born on April 6, 1970, in Fort Worth, Texas. He was the only child in his family. His father, a football coach, influenced Miller's early enthusiasm for sports, particularly football. However, his interest in outdoor games eventually led him to basketball. While attending school in Texas, Miller participated in a sixth-grade inter-school basketball competition. His performance during the tournament marked a turning point; his strategic play helped secure his team's victory and gained him recognition from teachers, peers, and his family.
Encouraged by this early success, Miller began formal basketball training under a dedicated coach and competed in numerous local matches. After graduating from Southwest High School in Fort Worth, he enrolled at the University of Arkansas in 1988. Although his parents initially opposed his decision to focus on a sports career, Miller balanced his academic pursuits with his athletic ambitions. Standing 6 feet 9 inches tall and weighing approximately 280 pounds during his college years, he developed a reputation for his size and court skills, eventually earning the nickname “The Big O.”
While at the University of Arkansas, Miller played under Coach Nolan Richardson and became known for his exceptional passing ability as a big man—a rare trait for centers of his era. He declared for the NBA Draft in 1992 after graduating and was selected in the first round by the Phoenix Suns, marking the beginning of his professional basketball career.
Between 1992 and 2004, Oliver Miller played for multiple NBA teams. He began his career with the Phoenix Suns (1992–1994), helping the team reach the 1993 NBA Finals. Miller then played for the Detroit Pistons (1994–1995), Toronto Raptors (1995–1996), Dallas Mavericks (1996–1997), and Sacramento Kings (1998–1999). Although he signed with the Indiana Pacers in 2002, he did not play in any regular season games.
Miller's role as a center was defined not only by his defensive presence but also his ability to distribute the ball—attributes that made him stand out among his NBA peers. His 1995–1996 season with the Toronto Raptors is often cited as the peak of his professional performance. However, his career was hampered in later years by issues related to his weight. Initially entering the NBA at around 270 pounds, his weight reportedly increased to over 380 pounds, significantly reducing his on-court stamina and effectiveness.
| Birth Date: | 6 Apr, 1970 |
| Age: | 50 yrs |
| Occupations: | Basketball player |
| Citizenship: | United States of America |
| Birth Place: | Fort Worth |
| Education: | Southwest High School |
| Gender: | Male |
| Description: | American basketball player |
| Net Worth 2021: | 5 million |
