Donald “Slick” Watts, the previous Seattle SuperSonics guard and fan favourite, died on Saturday. He was 73.
Watts, who earned his nickname from his shaved head and crooked headbands, additionally was a well-liked trainer, coach and robust supporter of basketball in Seattle.
His son, Donald, introduced his father’s demise Saturday on X: “You probably did a lot for therefore many people. It was an honor name you pops.”
Watts, who had a stroke in 2021, had been sick since.
Grandson Isaiah Watts, who performs for Washington State, praised his grandfather on X: “I pray each time they see me they see you. Love you previous life. I obtained us perpetually. Relaxation in paradise papa.”
We’re saddened by the passing of Sonics icon Slick Watts. Slick was a champion for the Storm and a beloved member of the Seattle neighborhood.
Our ideas and condolences are along with his household and family members at the moment. 💚💛 pic.twitter.com/UbNW6cJjo9
— Seattle Storm (@seattlestorm) March 15, 2025
Watts went undrafted from Xavier College (La.) and was signed by Seattle coach Invoice Russell in 1973. Watts performed simply 5 seasons in Seattle, lacking the Sonics’ championship in 1979.
The 6-foot-1 level guard led the NBA in steals and assists throughout the 1975-76 season. He averaged 8.9 factors, 3.2 rebounds and 6.1 assists in his profession. He additionally performed for the New Orleans Jazz and the Houston Rockets, however Seattle was his residence after retiring.
Watts turned a bodily schooling trainer in Seattle at a number of faculties and coached basketball. He additionally ran a basketball academy with Donald and retired from educating in 2017.
Watts attended College of Washington and Seattle Storm WNBA video games and was an envoy for the Sonics, even after the crew moved to Oklahoma Metropolis in 2008.
The Mississippi native was named to the Sonics’ fortieth anniversary crew.
(Picture of Watts: Give attention to Sports activities through Getty Photographs)
