Former NBA player Donald “Slick” Watts died at the age of 73.
Watts became one of them The NBAs Homemade men and a fan favorite of the Seattle Supersonics after they went from an unaffected groan to the all-defensive first team in 1973 and become an assists and steals leader in 1976.
Watts’ son, Donald, who played in front of the University of Washington, announced the death of his father on Saturday On social media.
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Guard Donald Watts from the mobile partygoers dribbles the ball during an NBDL match against the North Charleston Lowgators in the Mobile Civic Center in Mobile, ALA. (Kent Smith /NBAE /Getty images)
“You have done so much for so many of us. It was an honor that calls you pops,” said the son.
Watts was in poor health since a stroke in 2021.
Watts was signed by coach Bill Russell to play for the Sonics in 1973 as an unsigned Rookie. He was at Seattle for less than five years, but became known for his broad smile, bare head and crooked head tires. He led the competition in Steals 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 went to Sonics and Washington and Seattle Storm Games.
“We are sad due to the death of Sonics Icon Slick Watts”, placed the storm on social media. “Slick was a champion for the storm and a beloved member of the Seattle community.”
Grandson Isaiah Watts, who plays for the state of Washington, I have posted several photos of his grandfather.
“I pray every time they see me, they see you,” he wrote. “I love you beyond life. I have been forever. Rest in Paradise Dad. “
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Slick Watts from the Seattle Supersonics brings the ball against the Buffalo Braves during an NBA match in the Memorial Auditorium in Buffalo in 1975. (George Gojkovich/Getty images)
Van Rolling Fork, MississippiWatts played in Grand View Junior College and Xavier van Louisiana before entering the NBA.
In his later years, Watts gave physical education in the Seattle School District and led a basketball academy with his son. He was appointed as the 40 -year anniversary team of the Sonics.
The Associated Press has contributed to this report.
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