Aug. 1, 1999
SportsLine wire reports

PHOENIX -- Oliver Miller, who began his NBA career with Phoenix in 1992, returned to the team Sunday when the Suns signed him to a one-year contract.

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Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Miller, a forward and center, played only four games with Sacramento last season and spent most of the year on the injured list with back spasms. He was hampered by his weight, which was a reported 365 pounds.

The 29-year-old has since lost some 50 pounds and has looked impressive for the Suns' entry in the Rocky Mountain Review games for rookies and free agents.

Miller averaged 10 points, 8.3 rebounds, 3.3 blocked shots and 1.3 steals in the first three games, including five blocks and 13 rebounds last Thursday against Houston.

"OVER THE LAST TWO WEEKS, Oliver has shown great improvement in his physical conditioning and continues to display a desire for a fresh start both on and off the basketball floor," said Suns general manager Bryan Colangelo. "This signing is the next step in Oliver's development."

Miller, who has also played for Detroit, Toronto and Dallas, said he wants to be down to 290 pounds by the time training camp starts Oct. 4.

He'd like to stay in the 295-300 range through the season.

"I've grown up. I've gone through a lot in these past five years," Miller told reporters last week. "I'm just going to go out and show people that Oliver Miller means business. He still loves the game, and he's willing to do whatever is possible to win."