The former NBA player, Donald “Slick” Watts, died at the age of 73.
Watts became one of the NBA’s self -taught men and a favorite from Seattle Supersonics fans after having passed from a recruit not drafted in 1973 to the first fully defensive team and to become a leader in decisive passes in 1976.
Watts’ son Donald, who played for the University of Washington, announced his father’s death on social networks on Saturday.
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Goalkeeper Donald Watts of Mobile revelers dribble the ball during a NBDL game against the Lowgators of North Charleston at the Civic Center in Mobile, ALA. (Kent Smith / NBAE / Getty images)
“You have done so many things for many of us. It was a call of honor that you make pop,” said the son.
Watts had been in poor health since a stroke in 2021.
Watts was signed by coach Bill Russell to play for the Sonics in 1973 as a non -drafted recruit. He was with Seattle for less than five years, but became known for his broad smile, his bald head and his twisted headbands. He led the Interception League for the 1975-76 season.
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Later, he played for New Orleans jazz and the Houston Rockets, but made Seattle his house after his career and frequently frequented the Sonics and Washington and Seattle games.
“We are saddened by the death of the Sonics Slick Watts icon,” posted the storm on social networks. “Slick was a champion of the storm and a beloved member of the community of Seattle.”
The grandson Isaiah Watts, who plays for the state of Washington, Posted several photos of his grandfather.
“I pray every time they see me, they see you,” he wrote. “I love you spending life. I have us forever. Rest in Papa Paradise.”
Slick Watts of Seattle Supersonics brings the field to the field against the Buffalo Braves in a NBA match at the Memorial auditorium in 1975 in Buffalo. (George Gojkovich / Getty Images)
From Rolling Fork, Mississippi, Watts played the Grand View Junior College and Xavier de Louisiana before entering the NBA.
In recent years, Watts has taught physical education in the Seattle school district and has led a basketball academy with his son. He was appointed to the 40th anniversary team of the Sonics.
