Slick Watts: The Unlikely Hero of Seattle Basketball
Slick Watts, a man whose determination, style, and generosity left an indelible mark on basketball and the city of Seattle, has passed away at the age of 73. His death, announced by his son Donald on social media, brings to a close a life defined by resilience, creativity, and an enduring connection to the Seattle SuperSonics. Watts, though undersized and undrafted, turned his limitations into strengths, carving out a memorable NBA career and becoming a cultural icon in the process. His legacy extends far beyond his four-and-a-half-season tenure with the SuperSonics, as he remains a beloved figure in Seattle sports history.
Early Life and Basketball Beginnings
Born Donald Earl Watts on July 22, 1951, in Rolling Fork, Mississippi, Slick grew up in a humble household where basketball became his escape. With only one television in his neighborhood, Watts honed his skills by shooting spitballs into a trash can, developing a work ethic that would define his career. He attended Xavier University of Louisiana, a small historically Black Catholic institution, where he emerged as a standout shooter, averaging 22.8 points per game and shooting 49% from the field. Despite his impressive collegiate performance, Watts went undrafted in 1973, a setback that could have ended his basketball aspirations.
Fate intervened when his college coach, Bob Hopkins, who was a cousin of Celtics legend Bill Russell, secured Watts a tryout with the Seattle SuperSonics. Russell, then coaching the team, saw potential in the young guard and offered him a modest $19,000-a-year contract. Though the team was already stocked with shooters, Watts adapted by focusing on playmaking, a decision that would soon pay dividends.
A Rising Star with the SuperSonics
Watts quickly became a fan favorite in Seattle, not just for his on-court contributions but for his unique personality and style. Standing at just 6-foot-1, he defied expectations by leading the SuperSonics in assists during his rookie season, averaging 5.7 per game despite playing only 22.9 minutes a night. His tenacity and vision on the court earned him the respect of teammates and opponents alike.
In the 1975-76 season, Watts reached new heights, averaging 8.1 assists and 3.2 steals per game, becoming the first player in NBA history to lead the league in both categories. His defensive prowess earned him a spot on the NBA All-Defensive First Team, cementing his reputation as a two-way player. Off the court, Watts’ generosity and humility further endeared him to fans. He was known for signing autographs for anyone who asked, believing that “no scrap of paper is too small to autograph, because there’s a person at the other end.”
The Iconic Style and Swagger of Slick Watts
Watts’ impact on basketball extended beyond his stats. His unique style, born out of necessity, became a defining feature of his persona. A childhood football injury left him with patchy hair growth, leading him to shave his head and apply baby oil for a gleaming finish. This look, paired with a distinctive headband worn at a jaunty angle, made Watts instantly recognizable. The headband, which he discovered in the women’s section of a sporting goods store, became a signature element of his style, setting him apart in an era of long-haired players.
His boldness extended to his personality. Watts’ confidence and swagger inspired both admiration and curiosity. A New York Times reporter once likened him to “the planet Saturn in sneakers,” a testament to his unforgettable presence. His hustle, creativity, and eccentricity combined to create a figure who felt larger than life, even as his physical stature and early career obstacles might have suggested otherwise.
Challenges and the End of an Era
Watts’ time in Seattle came to an abrupt end in 1978 when he was traded to the New Orleans Jazz for a future draft pick. The trade was a devastating blow, both personally and professionally. Watts had poured his heart into the city of Seattle, and the separation felt like a divorce or the loss of a family member, as he later described it. Despite his efforts, he struggled to find consistency with the Jazz and later the Houston Rockets, and his NBA career effectively ended in his late 20s.
As Watts’ playing career faded, he watched from afar as the SuperSonics achieved their greatest success, winning the NBA championship in 1979. Though he did not witness the final games, his contributions to the franchise’s early success were never forgotten. In the years following his retirement, Watts remained in Seattle, taking on a new role as a physical education teacher at a local elementary school. For nearly two decades, he imparted the lessons of hard work and resilience to the next generation, embodying the same spirit that had defined his basketball career.
Remembering Slick Watts: A Legacy of Grit and Heart
Slick Watts’ life was a testament to the power of perseverance and creativity. Though his NBA career was relatively brief, his impact on the game and the city of Seattle endures. From his trailblazing headband to his tireless work ethic, Watts left an indelible imprint on basketball culture. His story serves as a reminder that greatness is not always measured by longevity or accolades but by the connections we make and the lives we touch.
Today, Watts’ legacy lives on through his family, including his sons and grandchildren who continue to play basketball at the collegiate level. His influence also endures in the hearts of Seattle fans, who remember him not only as a player but as a symbol of hope and determination. Slick Watts may have started as an underdog, but he will forever be a hero in the city he called home.
