The former NBA player Donald “Slick” Watts died at the age of 73.
Watts became one of the men of the NBA and a favorite of the Seattle Supersonics fans after moving from a rookie not recruited in 1973 to the first totally defensive team and becoming a leader of assists and robberies in 1976.
The son of Watts, Donald, who played for the University of Washington, announced his father’s death on social networks.
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Guard Donald Watts of mobile juerguistas dribble the ball during a NBDL game against the North Charleston Lowgators in the Mobile Civic Center in Mobile, wing. (Kent Smith /NBAE /Getty Images)
“You did a lot for many of us. It was an honor called pops,” said the son.
Watts had had poor health from a stroke in 2021.
Watts was signed by coach Bill Russell to play for the Sonics in 1973 as a non -recruited rookie. He was with Seattle for less than five years, but became known for his wide smile, bald head and crooked headbands. He led the League in robberies in the 1975-76 season.
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He later played for the New Orleans Jazz and the Houston Rockets, but made Seattle his home after his career and often attended Sonics and Washington and Seattle Storm Games.
“We are saddened by the death of the Sonics Slick Watts icon,” the storm published on social networks. “Slick was a storm champion and a beloved member of the Seattle community.”
Nieto Isaiah Watts, who plays for the state of Washington, He published several photos of his grandfather.
“I pray every time they see me, they see you,” he wrote. “I love you past life. I have me forever. Rest in Paradise dad.”
Seattle Supersonics Slicks watts carries the ball against Buffo Bufflo during an NBA game at the Memorial Auditorium in 1975 in Buffalo. (George Gojkovich/Getty Images)
From Rolling Fork, Mississippi, Watts starred in Grand View Junior College and Xavier de Louisiana before entering the NBA.
In his last years, Watts taught physical education in the Seattle school district and directed a basketball academy with his son. He was appointed for the Sonics 40th Anniversary team.
