Donald ‘Slick’ Watts dies at 73: NBA mourns colorful star known for iconic headbands and mentoring youth
Donald ‘Slick’ Watts, a colorful member of the SuperSonics who became a devoted teacher and coach in Seattle, has died at 73.
Watts’ son Donald, who played for Washington, announced his father’s death Saturday on social media, writing: ‘You did so much for so many of us. It was an honor call you pops.’ Watts had been in poor health following a stroke in 2021.
Widely considered among the coolest players in NBA history, Watts was signed by coach Bill Russell to play for the Sonics in 1973 as an undrafted rookie. He was with Seattle for less than five years, but became a fixture known for his broad smile, bald head and crooked headbands. He led the league in steals and assists for the 1975-76 season.
The SuperSonics would appear in consecutive NBA Finals against the Washington Bullets in 1978 and 1979, albeit without Watts, who was traded to Utah during the 1977-78 season.
Then, prior to the 1978-79 season, Watts was traded from the Jazz to the Houston Rockets – this time for a first-round draft pick that was later used to take Syracuse’s Danny Schayes.
Unfortunately for Watts, injury issues would cut his career short in Houston, where the Rockets would go on to the NBA Finals 1981 in his absence.
Donald ‘Slick’ Watts, a colorful member of the SuperSonics who became a devoted teacher and coach in Seattle, has died at 73, his family revealed on Saturday
Slick Watts of the Seattle SuperSonics approves of the Storm win over the Lynx during the first game of the WNBA playoffs at the Angel of the Winds Arena in Everett, Washington
Despite everything, Watts still made Seattle his home following his career and frequently attended Sonics events, as well as Washington and Seattle Storm games.
Then, prior to the 1978-79 season, Watts was traded from the Jazz to the Houston Rockets – this time for a first-round draft pick that was later used to take Syracuse’s Danny Schayes.
Unfortunately for Watts, injury issues would cut his career short in Houston, where the Rockets would go on to the NBA Finals 1981 in his absence.
Then, prior to the 1978-79 season, Watts was traded from the Jazz to the Houston Rockets – this time for a first-round draft pick that was later used to take Syracuse’s Danny Schayes.
Unfortunately for Watts, injury issues would cut his career short in Houston, where the Rockets would go on to the NBA Finals 1981 in his absence.
‘We are saddened by the passing of Sonics icon Slick Watts,’ the Storm posted to social media. ‘Slick was a champion for the Storm and a beloved member of the Seattle community.’
Grandson Isaiah Watts, who plays for Washington State, posted several photos of his grandfather. ‘I pray every time they see me they see you. Love you past life. I got us forever. Rest in paradise papa.’
From Rolling Fork, Mississippi, Watts starred at Grand View Junior College and Xavier of Louisiana before entering the NBA.
In his later years Watts taught physical education in the Seattle School District and ran a basketball academy with his son. He was named to the Sonics’ 40th anniversary team.
