Former NBA player Donald “Slick” Watts passed away at the age of 73.
Watts was one of the NBA's homemade men and became a Seattle Supersonics fan favorite after becoming an undrafted rookie in 1973 to become an assist and steel leader in 1976.
Watts' son Donald, who played at Watts University, announced his father's death on social media on Saturday.
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Guard Donald Watts' Donald Watts dribbles the ball during an NBDL game with the North Charleston Rogators at Mobile Civic Center in Mobile, Alabama. (Kent Smith /Nbae /Getty Images)
“You did so much for many of us. It was a call to honor that you pop,” said my son.
Watts has been in poor health since his 2021 stroke.
Watts was signed by coach Bill Russell to play for the Sonics as an undrafted rookie in 1973. He was in Seattle less than five years before becoming known for his wide smile, his ald heads and bent headbands. He led the league in steals during the 1975-76 season.
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He later played for the New Orleans Jazz and the Houston Rockets, but after his career he made Seattle home and frequently attended Sonics and Washington and Seattle Storm Games.
“We are saddened that Slic Watts, the Storm of Storm, posted to social media, will pass Slic Watts, the Storm icon. “Slic was the Storm champion and a beloved member of the Seattle community.”
Grandson Isaiah Watts, who performs in Washington, posted several photos of his grandfather.
“Every time they see me I pray they see you,” he wrote. “Love your past life. We've got us forever. Rest in Paradise Dad.”
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Seattle Supersonics' Slick Watts brings a ball-up court against the Buffalo Braves during their 1975 NBA game at the Memorial Auditorium in Buffalo. (George Gojkovich/Getty Images)
From Rolling Fork, Mississippi, Watts entered the NBA starring Grandview Junior College and Xavier, Louisiana.
In his later years, Watts taught physical education in the Seattle School District and ran the basketball academy with his son. He was named to the Sonics 40th anniversary team.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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