RIP Donald "Slick" Watts, former Seattle Supersonics guard

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RIP Donald "Slick" Watts, former Seattle Supersonics guard 

Post#1 » by GSWFan1994 » Sun Mar 16, 2025 12:46 am

Played only 6 seasons in the NBA, but was very popular at the time due to his pioneering use of the headband, plus the bald head, quite unusual back then.

Had a very good 1975/1976 season: led the league in assists and steals, along with being nominated to the All-Defensive 1st team.

Here's his BBallRef page: link.

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Via ESPN (link):

"Slick" Watts, Sonics icon and Seattle fixture, dies at 73

SEATTLE -- Donald "Slick" Watts, a fan favorite for the SuperSonics and later a beloved teacher and coach in Seattle, has died. He was 73.

Watts' son Donald, who played for Washington, announced his father's death Saturday on social media, writing: "You did so much for so many of us. It was an honor call you pops." Watts had been in poor health following a stroke in 2021.

Watts was signed by coach Bill Russell to play for the Sonics in 1973 as an undrafted rookie. He was with Seattle for less that five years, but became a fixture known for his broad smile, bald head and crooked headbands. He led the league in steals in the 1975-76 season.

He later played for the New Orleans Jazz and the Houston Rockets but made Seattle his home following his career and frequently attended Sonics events, as well as Washington and Seattle Storm games.

"We are saddened by the passing of Sonics icon Slick Watts," the Storm posted to social media. "Slick was a champion for the Storm and a beloved member of the Seattle community."

Grandson Isaiah Watts, who plays for Washington State, posted several photos of his grandfather. "I pray every time they see me they see you. Love you past life. I got us forever. Rest in paradise papa."

From Rolling Fork, Mississippi, Watts starred at Grand View Junior College and Xavier of Louisiana before entering the NBA.

In his later years, Watts taught physical education in the Seattle School District and ran a basketball academy with his son. He was named to the Sonics' 40th anniversary team.


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Re: RIP Donald "Slick" Watts, former Seattle Supersonics guard 

Post#2 » by Ruma85 » Sun Mar 16, 2025 1:39 am

May he rest.in.peace, wasn't born when he played, though from the things I read it sounds like he was a great player, & more importantly a even greater person.
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Re: RIP Donald "Slick" Watts, former Seattle Supersonics guard 

Post#3 » by kcktiny » Sun Mar 16, 2025 2:33 am

For those that may not know much about him, from 1973-74 to 1976-77, in an age of great PGs like Walt Frazier, Dave Bing, Nate Archibald, Norm Van Lier, Jojo White, Randy Smith, and others, it was Slick Watts that lead the NBA in both assists (2141) and steals (780).

Couldn't shoot a lick, but was as pesky a PG defender as there was. Was NBA named all-defensive 1st team in 1975-76:



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Re: RIP Donald "Slick" Watts, former Seattle Supersonics guard 

Post#4 » by Roscoe Sheed » Sun Mar 16, 2025 4:54 am

Sad news- that generation of nba players is slowly fading away
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Re: RIP Donald "Slick" Watts, former Seattle Supersonics guard 

Post#5 » by Dick Tate » Sun Mar 16, 2025 4:54 am

a fixture known for his broad smile, bald head and crooked headbands

As a pre-teenager, I remembered him as the only player who would sit at a table for 15 minutes or more after every home game to sign autographs. He really loved the fans.
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Re: RIP Donald "Slick" Watts, former Seattle Supersonics guard 

Post#6 » by -Luke- » Sun Mar 16, 2025 6:34 am

Great videos in this thread. He also had one of the coolest nicknames in NBA history, which was more like his true first name.

Sad to see another beloved Sonic (Gus Williams passed away earlier this year) who won't be there for the return of the Sonics. Rest in peace, Sir.
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Re: RIP Donald "Slick" Watts, former Seattle Supersonics guard 

Post#7 » by Clav » Sun Mar 16, 2025 7:22 am

RIP Slick, was just a bit before my time as a fan but will be remembered fondly for sure. Love to see the videos also, thanks for posting, hadn't looked up his highlights in a fair bit.
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Re: RIP Donald "Slick" Watts, former Seattle Supersonics guard 

Post#8 » by OdomFan » Sun Mar 16, 2025 10:35 am

Rest in Peace sir. Before my time but respect, really cool look and from what I've seen, game style.
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Re: RIP Donald "Slick" Watts, former Seattle Supersonics guard 

Post#9 » by druggas » Sun Mar 16, 2025 10:45 am

He added a lot of "flavor" to the NBA.
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Re: RIP Donald "Slick" Watts, former Seattle Supersonics guard 

Post#10 » by nomansland » Sun Mar 16, 2025 1:13 pm

I've met his son. We actually played together because some dude on my YMCA rec team brought him in as a ringer during a playoff game without telling anyone else on the team he was going to do that. We were all like, "who's this guy?" His son played D1 at Washington and the difference in the talent was so obvious it was comical. And the dude wasn't even really trying. He was cool but most of the team was not on board because we wanted a legit win.

Anyway RIP Slick. He was a Seattle legend.
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Re: RIP Donald "Slick" Watts, former Seattle Supersonics guard 

Post#11 » by slick_watts » Sun Mar 16, 2025 4:38 pm

he's been ill for awhile. it's too bad he didn't get to see the sonics return. lots has been written about slick's impact on his community over the years, which is a big reason why his legacy in seattle is outsized relative to his nba career. it's a rabbit hole you'll be happy you went down if you do some googling.

rip
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Re: RIP Donald "Slick" Watts, former Seattle Supersonics guard 

Post#12 » by Chuck Everett » Sun Mar 16, 2025 5:04 pm

RIP to Slick. Such a huge personality and a Seattle staple.
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Re: RIP Donald "Slick" Watts, former Seattle Supersonics guard 

Post#13 » by azcatz11 » Sun Mar 16, 2025 5:05 pm

He looked exactly like Floyd mayweather jr
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Re: RIP Donald "Slick" Watts, former Seattle Supersonics guard 

Post#14 » by QMemphis » Sun Mar 16, 2025 8:06 pm

RIP Slick
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Re: RIP Donald "Slick" Watts, former Seattle Supersonics guard 

Post#15 » by AFM » Sun Mar 16, 2025 10:15 pm

RIP Rest In Power boss man
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Re: RIP Donald "Slick" Watts, former Seattle Supersonics guard 

Post#16 » by kodo » Mon Mar 17, 2025 2:05 am

Bring the Sonics back.

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