Slick Watts, a beloved yet underappreciated point guard known for his tenacity and unique style, has passed away at the age of 73. His son, Donald, shared the news on social media on Saturday, although no further details were provided. Watts faced significant health challenges in recent years, including a major stroke in 2021 and lung sarcoidosis, an inflammatory condition.
James Donaldson, a center for the Sonics in the 1980s, remarked, “He epitomized the Seattle SuperSonics,” highlighting Watts’s impact on the team and its fans. His blend of hustle on the court and an engaging personality off it earned him a special place in the hearts of supporters. He was known for his enthusiasm in signing autographs, famously stating, “No scrap of paper is too small to autograph, because there’s a person at the other end.”
Watts played for the Seattle SuperSonics for four and a half seasons from 1973 to 1978, contributing to the team’s first playoff appearance. Unfortunately, he was not part of the roster during the team’s sole championship victory in 1979. His legacy lived on, even after the franchise relocated and became the Oklahoma City Thunder, with his name featured in a song titled “Slick Watts” by the Seattle rap duo Blue Scholars in 2012.
However, his career faced challenges when he sought a higher salary and a no-trade clause, leading to tensions that affected his reputation. After a rough start to the 1977-78 season and a coaching change, Watts found his playing time reduced, which contributed to his frustration.
In January 1978, he was traded to the New Orleans Jazz in exchange for a future first-round draft pick. He later described the trade as akin to a divorce or the loss of a loved one. The Sonics unexpectedly advanced to the finals that year, ultimately losing to the Washington Bullets, but redeemed themselves the following season with a championship win.
Despite his disappointment over his career duration, Watts found fulfillment working as a physical education teacher at a Seattle elementary school for nearly 20 years, earning $16,000 a year. Throughout his life, he expressed gratitude for his time in Seattle, even as he reflected on the twists and turns of his basketball journey.
