Former Seattle SuperSonics star Slick Watts passed away on Saturday morning at the age of 73. Watts had been in poor health since suffering a stroke in 2021.
Watt’s passing leaves a deep void in the Seattle basketball community, where he was beloved not only for his on-court performances but also for his dedication to mentoring young athletes. The Seattle Storm, the city’s WNBA team, paid tribute to Watts in a heartfelt message on social media.
“We are saddened by the passing of Sonics icon Slick Watts. Slick was a champion for the Storm and a beloved member of the Seattle community. Our thoughts and condolences are with his family and loved ones at this time,” the team shared.
Watts’ son, Donald, also took to social media to express his sorrow and admiration for his father.
“You did so much for so many of us. It was an honor to call you pops,” he wrote.
Watts was instantly recognizable on the court, not just for his play but also for his distinctive bald head. It became his signature look after a childhood injury. He later embraced his unique appearance, often donning a headband that added to his on-court persona.
Slicks Watts’ NBA Journey In A Nutshell
Watts Slicks joined the SuperSonics in 1973 as an undrafted rookie out of Xavier University of Louisiana. During the 1975-76 season, Watts led the NBA in both assists and steals. However, his time in Seattle came to an unfortunate end before he could celebrate the franchise’s greatest achievement, their 1979 NBA championship.
Following his tenure with the Sonics, Watts played for the Utah Jazz and later the Houston Rockets. He wrapped up his six-year NBA career with averages of 8.9 points, 6.1 assists, 3.2 rebounds, and 2.2 steals per game.
He dedicated his post-playing career to working with young athletes, coaching basketball, and teaching physical education in Seattle’s school system. Alongside his son Donald, he also ran a basketball academy, helping to shape future generations of players both on and off the court.
