Oliver Miller and his ex-girlfriend’s brother argued at the cookout, and Miller repeatedly hit him in the head with a gun.
Miller, a big man who played for six teams in an NBA career that spanned nine seasons, died on Wednesday, March 12, 2025, at 54.
The 6-9 power forward and center had been battling brain cancer and undergoing treatment in Phoenix.
Suns’ coach Mike Budenholzer, speaking to the media before Wednesday’s game at Houston, said he learned of Miller’s death earlier in the day and offered his condolences to Miller’s family. He said,
“Growing up in Arizona, watching those teams, late ’80s, early ’90s,” “What an incredible passer, incredible player, you know … Seemed like a guy his teammates loved, brought a joy to the game, brought a joy to life.”
Mike Budenholzer
Miller was the Suns’ first-round pick (No. 22 overall) in the 1992 draft after leading the Razorbacks to the Final Four two years earlier.
As a rookie, he was on the Suns team that reached the 1993 NBA Finals before losing to Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls in six games.
Miller played a key role for Phoenix over 24 games in those playoffs, averaging 7.2 points and 5.2 rebounds.
After spending eight seasons in the NBA with five different teams from 1992-98, Miller played with semi-pro and overseas teams for four years before returning for one final season with the Minnesota Timberwolves in 2003-04.
He played in 493 NBA games and had career averages of 7.4 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 2.2 assists per game.
Oliver Miller Got Arrested For Assaulting His Ex-Girlfriend’s Brother, Jason
Former professional basketball player Oliver Miller, born on April 6, 1970, in Fort Worth, Texas, United States, has kept his relationship timeline private his entire life.
In 2011, Miller was involved in an incident with his ex-girlfriend’s brother, Jason. In April of that year, he was accused of pistol-whipping Jason during a confrontation at a barbecue cookout in Arnold, Maryland.
According to prosecutors, Miller and his ex-girlfriend’s brother argued at the cookout, and Miller hit him repeatedly in the head with a gun.
The argument started after Jason pleaded with Oliver to watch his weight because he was worried about his health and his ability to watch over and take care of his sister.
Oliver followed Jason home and challenged him to a HORSE game to settle the argument. When Jason refused to play, Oliver lifted his stomach to reveal a concealed and illegally possessed handgun.
He hit Jason in the head and face repeatedly and then fled the scene to a nearby corner store, where he bought beer and pork rinds to snack on while he awaited his arrest.
Jason required 11 staples to close his wounds. Miller’s attorney did not immediately return a phone call requesting comment.
However, Oliver was sentenced on February 3, 2012, to a year in the Anne Arundel County jail (a five-year sentence with four years suspended), followed by five years of probation.
Oliver Miller Is Survived By His Two Sons and A Daughter
Although Oliver Miller kept his relationship timeline private, he had two sons and one daughter from her previous relationship.
He has also kept his children out of the media spotlight. As per the source, he also had grandchildren with whom he spent time after retirement.
Currently, they are mourning the tragic loss of their supportive and devoted father and grandfather, Oliver Miller.
Closed ones and relatives poured their heartfelt condolences to Miller’s family to stay strong in this heartbreaking moment.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- Miller was one of the nation’s top high school basketball players. He signed with the University of Arkansas and played for its Razorbacks basketball team under head coach Nolan Richardson.
- He reportedly relocated to Mesa, Arizona, in August 2012 and worked as a car salesman for former basketball player Alvin Heggs. He has also participated in basketball camps.
- Miller was inducted into the University of Arkansas Sports Hall of Honor in September 2016 and was selected as an SEC Basketball Legend in January 2017.
