Mar 3, 2017; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Phoenix Suns former guard Charles Barkley reacts while in attendance of the game against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Talking Stick Resort Arena. The Suns defeated the Thunder 118-111. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Imagesfor Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

NBA Legend Charles Barkley Reacts To Heartbreaking Suns News

Originally posted on Fastbreak on SI | By Ben Stinar | Last updated Mar 14, 2025 7:39 PM ET

Oliver Miller was the 22nd pick in the 1992 NBA Draft out of Arkansas by the Phoenix Suns.

He spent the first two seasons of his nine-year career with the franchise.

On Thursday, the heartbreaking news that Miller had passed away was announced.

Via NBA History: "The NBA mourns the passing of Oliver Miller (1970-2025).

Selected as the No. 22 overall pick by the Phoenix Suns in 1992, Oliver played 9 NBA seasons with the Suns, Detroit Pistons, Dallas Mavericks, Toronto Raptors, Sacramento Kings and Minnesota Timberwolves."

The NBA mourns the passing of Oliver Miller (1970-2025).

Selected as the No. 22 overall pick by the Phoenix Suns in 1992, Oliver played 9 NBA seasons with the Suns, Detroit Pistons, Dallas Mavericks, Toronto Raptors, Sacramento Kings and Minnesota Timberwolves. pic.twitter.com/pRauKwGbYb
— NBA History (@NBAHistory) March 13, 2025

One person who reacted to the new was Suns legend Charles Barkley.

Barkley (via the NBA on TNT): "Great kid. It's been a rough week for the NBA family. Oliver, man, he was a great kid. We would not have gotten to the Finals without Oliver Miller. We would not have gotten there. He was a terrific passer... He was a great kid and man, 53-54 years that's way too young to be passing away."

Miller had career averages of 7.4 points, 5.9 rebounds and 2.2 assists per contest while shooting 53.4% from the field in 493 games.

As Barkley alluded to, Miller helped the Suns reach the 1993 NBA Finals (as a rookie).

Via Ballislife.com: "RIP OLIVER "BIG 0" MILLER

Some of his games
35 PTS, 12 REB, 9 AST, 4 STL
32 PTS, 13 REB, 5 BLK (86% FG)
20 PTS, 9 REB, 8 AST (82% FG)
18 PTS, 15 REB, 9 BLK
13 PTS, 12 REB, 7 AST, 6 STL, 3 BLK
Crazy stat: 3 of his career 4 3PTS happened in a single game and he shot 3/3"

RIP OLIVER "BIG 0" MILLER

Some of his games
35 PTS, 12 REB, 9 AST, 4 STL
32 PTS, 13 REB, 5 BLK (86% FG)
20 PTS, 9 REB, 8 AST (82% FG)
18 PTS, 15 REB, 9 BLK
13 PTS, 12 REB, 7 AST, 6 STL, 3 BLK
Crazy stat: 3 of his career 4 3PTS happened in a single game and he shot 3/3 pic.twitter.com/plllQawxQj
— Ballislife.com (@Ballislife) March 12, 2025