Remembering Donald "Slick" Watts: A Basketball Legend and Community Icon
A Legendary Career On and Off the Court
Donald "Slick" Watts, a beloved figure in the world of basketball and the Seattle community, has passed away at the age of 73. His son, Donald Watts Jr., announced the heartbreaking news on social media, paying tribute to his father’s enduring legacy. Slick Watts was more than just a basketball player; he was a charismatic figure who left an indelible mark on the game and the people who knew him. Known for his signature bald head, crooked headbands, and infectious smile, Watts became a fan favorite during his time with the Seattle SuperSonics. Despite being an undrafted rookie, he was signed by the legendary coach Bill Russell in 1973 and quickly became a standout player. During the 1975-76 season, Watts led the NBA in steals, cementing his reputation as one of the league’s most dynamic defenders.
Watts’s professional basketball career wasn’t limited to the SuperSonics. He also played for the New Orleans Jazz and the Houston Rockets before retiring from the sport. However, Seattle remained his home, and he continued to be a fixture at local basketball events, including Seattle Storm games. His presence at these events was a testament to his deep connection with the city and its sports community. Long after his playing days were over, Watts remained a cherished figure in Seattle, celebrated for his contributions both on and off the court.
From the Court to the Classroom: Slick Watts’s Post-Basketball Journey
After hanging up his basketball shoes, Slick Watts dedicated his life to giving back to his community. He transitioned into education, teaching physical education in the Seattle School District. Watts also co-founded a basketball academy with his son, Donald Jr., where he mentored young athletes and instilled in them the values of hard work, discipline, and teamwork. His passion for basketball never wavered, but he channeled it into nurturing the next generation of players and leaders. This chapter of his life showcased a different side of Watts—one of a devoted educator and coach who cared deeply about the well-being and success of his students.
Watts’s impact extended beyond the classroom and the basketball court. He was a beloved member of the Seattle community, known for his kindness, generosity, and unwavering support for local causes. His presence at community events and his willingness to lend a hand made him a respected and cherished figure. Even as he dealt with health challenges, including a stroke in 2021 that left him in poor health, Watts remained a source of inspiration to those around him. His resilience and positive outlook on life were qualities that earned him admiration from everyone who crossed his path.
A Larger-Than-Life Figure: Tributes Pour In for Slick Watts
Since the announcement of his passing, tributes have flooded in from across the basketball world and beyond. The Seattle Storm, a team he steadfastly supported, expressed their sorrow on social media, describing him as a "champion for the Storm and a beloved member of the Seattle community." Former NBA players and coaches, fans, and community members have all shared stories and memories of Watts, highlighting his unique blend of skill, charisma, and compassion.
One of the many heartfelt tributes came from former NBA center Eldridge Recasner, who fondly remembered Watts as "one of the coolest cats you could ever meet." Recasner’s words echoed the sentiments of countless others who knew Watts, emphasizing his warm personality and enduring influence. The outpouring of love and respect for Watts serves as a testament to the profound impact he had on so many lives.
The Legacy of Slick Watts: A Life of Purpose and Passion
Slick Watts’s legacy transcends his accomplishments on the basketball court. While his athletic prowess and contributions to the SuperSonics are undeniably important, it is his commitment to his community and his role as a mentor, teacher, and father that truly define his life. Watts’s journey from a small town in Mississippi to the bright lights of the NBA is a story of perseverance and determination. From his early days at Grand View Junior College and Xavier University of Louisiana to his rise as a fan favorite in Seattle, Watts’s path was marked by hard work and an unyielding passion for the game.
His later years were dedicated to inspiring and shaping the lives of others, whether through his work in the Seattle School District or his basketball academy. Watts’s ability to connect with people from all walks of life and his genuine interest in their success left a lasting impression on everyone he met. His legacy is not just about the steals he made on the court or the lessons he taught in the classroom—it’s about the countless lives he touched and the values he instilled in those around him.
In Celebration of a Life Well-Lived
As the basketball world and the Seattle community mourn the loss of Slick Watts, they also celebrate the incredible life he lived. Watts’s story is one of triumph, resilience, and devotion. From his early days as a basketball sensation to his later years as a teacher, coach, and community icon, he lived a life that was truly extraordinary. His passing leaves a void, but it also reminds us of the lasting impact he had on those who knew him and theMany lives he touched.
Rest in peace, Slick Watts. Your legacy will live on in the hearts of the Seattle community and the countless individuals whose lives you inspired. You may have started as a basketball player, but you became so much more—a teacher, a mentor, a father, and a friend to so many. Your contributions to the world of basketball and beyond are immeasurable, and you will be deeply missed.
