Slick Watts Passes Away at 73

Slick Watts, a lesser-known but beloved point guard for the Seattle SuperSonics, who overcame challenges and became a cherished figure in basketball history, has passed away at the age of 73. Known for his unique sense of style, including his iconic headband, Watts has left an enduring legacy even after the team’s relocation.

Watts’s son, Donald, shared the news of his father’s death on social media Saturday, but did not include additional details. In recent years, Watts has faced health struggles following a major stroke in 2021 and dealing with lung sarcoidosis, an inflammatory disease.

During his brief 4.5 seasons with the SuperSonics from 1973 to 1978, Watts played a key role in guiding the team to its first playoff appearance, although he missed the franchise’s remarkable finals victory in 1979. Nevertheless, he maintained a special place in the hearts of fans and players.

His unique persona and generosity contributed to his lasting reputation. Starting his basketball journey in humble beginnings at Xavier University of Louisiana, where he averaged 22.8 points per game, Watts went undrafted but was given a shot by the SuperSonics due to a connection with coach Bill Russell, a fellow Boston Celtics legend. He adapted to a more passive role, prioritizing assists over scoring, which led to an impressive first season as he averaged 5.7 assists per game.

Watts became a standout player, helping to lead the SuperSonics to their first-ever playoff appearance and later achieving distinction as the first player to lead the league in both assists and steals in a single season. His quirky hairstyle, stemming from a childhood football injury that left his hair patchy, and his use of a sweatband worn as a headband made him a fashion icon on the court, giving rise to his nickname, “Slick.”

As his NBA tenure progressed, tensions arose over contract disputes, leading to his trade to the New Orleans Jazz, an experience he described as akin to losing a family member. Following his time with the Jazz and the Houston Rockets, he struggled to find consistent playtime and eventually transitioned to a role as a physical education teacher in Seattle.

Born on July 22, 1951, in Rolling Fork, Mississippi, Watts’s early basketball training came from playing with makeshift items. His legacy continues through his sons, who also found success in college basketball, and his grandchildren, currently pursuing athletics. In a 2007 interview, Watts offered a piece of advice about style in sports: “Don’t make a statement unless you’re bringing your game.”