Sports

Seattle Basketball Icon Slick Watts Passes Away At 73

Seattle basketball icon and former Seattle SuperSonics point guard, Donald Earl “Slick” Watts, has passed away at the age of 73. Watts, known for his signature headbands and dynamic playing style, was a beloved figure in the Seattle basketball community.

Undrafted out of Xavier University of Louisiana, Watts joined the Seattle SuperSonics in 1973 and quickly became a fan favorite. His tenacious defense and playmaking skills helped him lead the NBA in assists and steals during the 1975-76 season. Despite missing out on the Sonics’ 1979 NBA Championship, Watts cemented his legacy in Seattle with his electrifying performances and commitment to the game.

Advertisement · Scroll to continue

A Lasting Impact Beyond the Court

After retiring from professional basketball, Watts dedicated his life to education and youth development. He became a physical education teacher and basketball coach within the Seattle School District, inspiring countless students for multiple decades before retiring in 2017. His impact extended far beyond the court as he remained deeply engaged in Seattle’s basketball culture.

Devoted Advocate for Seattle Basketball

Even after the SuperSonics relocated to Oklahoma City in 2008, Watts continued to champion Seattle basketball. He regularly attended local games, supported the WNBA’s Seattle Storm, and remained a visible presence at events advocating for the return of an NBA team to the city. His dedication to Seattle’s basketball scene made him a revered ambassador for the sport.

Remembering Slick Watts

Watts’ son, Donald Watts, who operates the Watts Basketball training academy, honored his father on social media, writing, “You did so much for so many of us. It was an honor to call you pops.” Watts had suffered a stroke in 2021 and had been dealing with health issues in the years since.

Watts’ influence on the Seattle basketball community remains undeniable. His contributions as a player, mentor, and advocate will be remembered for generations.

Slick Watts may no longer be with us, but his legacy will continue to inspire. From his days leading the Sonics on the court to his years shaping young athletes in Seattle, Watts’ impact on basketball and the community will never be forgotten. His passing is a significant loss for the basketball world and the city of Seattle.

ALSO READ: Mbappé Inspires Real Madrid To Victory As Milan And Bayern Face Mixed Fortunes

Sofia Babu Chacko

Sofia is a journalist with extensive experience in digital media. With a strong portfolio of contributions to various news platforms, she is passionate about storytelling that drives impact. Beyond journalism, she has a deep love for music.

Recent Posts

Netanyahu To Dismiss Shin Bet Chief Ronen Bar Amid Growing Political Crisis

As Israel grapples with the fallout from the October 7 Hamas attack, Prime Minister Benjamin…

5 seconds ago

Vatican Releases First Photo Of Pope Francis In Over A Month As The Pontiff Recovers From Pneumonia

After weeks of absence, the Vatican has released the first image of Pope Francis since…

29 minutes ago

Selection Sunday 2025: NCAA Tournament Bracket Reveal Time, TV Schedule, And Top Contenders

The wait is almost over—Selection Sunday is here, and the madness is about to begin.…

48 minutes ago

Medusa Ransomware Threats For Gmail, Outlook And VPN Users Escalate: FBI Issues Urgent Warning

The FBI has issued a dire warning about escalating ransomware threats, highlighting the dangers posed…

1 hour ago

What PM Modi Said About The 2002 Gujarat Riots In Podcast With Lex Fridman

In a rare conversation with podcaster Lex Fridman, Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed what he…

1 hour ago

Exploring Imphal’s Culinary Delights & Ima Market ‘Mother Market’ Traditional Offerings| NewsX Manipur Ground Report

As part of our ground report, NewsX explored the bustling streets of Imphal, uncovering its…

2 hours ago