Rest In Power: Notable Black Folks Who We’ve Lost In 2025

March 13, 2025

Source: Tim DeFrisco / Getty

UPDATED: 6:00 pm EST March 12th, 2025

As we’ve come to understand year after year, day after day even, death is unfortunately an inevitable part of life. Still, as much of a fact as that may be, the blow of experiencing loss never gets any easier, nor does reporting on the subject in Black culture.

Former NBA center Oliver Miller, affectionately known as “The Big O,” passed away on Wednesday at the age of 54, following a battle with cancer. Miller’s death was confirmed by Suns analyst Eddie Johnson, who shared the heartbreaking news on social media. The basketball world is now mourning the loss of a player whose presence on the court was as formidable as his personality off it.

Miller entered the NBA in 1992 as the 22nd overall pick in the first round. A product of the University of Arkansas, he helped lead the Razorbacks to the NCAA Final Four in 1990 under Coach Nolan Richardson. Known for his size, skill, and soft hands, Miller made an immediate impact in the pros. During his rookie season, he became a key contributor for the Phoenix Suns, and went to the NBA finals versus the Chicago Bulls.

Perhaps Miller’s most memorable moment came during the 1993 NBA Playoffs. His rugged defense, shot-blocking, and crucial plays helped propel the Suns to the NBA Finals. Although the Suns fell just short of clinching the championship, Miller’s contributions left a mark, particularly during grueling matchups against basketball greats like Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen of the Chicago Bulls. Throughout that postseason, he averaged 7.2 points, 5.2 rebounds, and an impressive 2.5 blocks over 24 games, bolstering the team’s defense.

Over his NBA career, Miller played for several teams, including the Suns, Detroit Pistons, Toronto Raptors, Dallas Mavericks, and Sacramento Kings, before stepping away from the league in 1998. Miller later returned briefly in 2003 and spent time playing semi-professionally and overseas.