Slick Watts wasn’t supposed to make it in the NBA. At just 6-foot-1, undrafted, and coming from Xavier University of Louisiana—a small Historically black colleges and universities—his chances of breaking into the league were slim. But Watts didn’t just make it; he made history. With his trademark bald head and tilted headband, he became the heart of the Seattle SuperSonics, winning over fans with his tenacity and selfless play.
In the 1975-76 season, he became the first player to lead the NBA in both assists and steals while earning All-Defensive First Team honors. Seattle embraced him, and even after his playing days ended, he never left. His impact stretched beyond the court, as he dedicated himself to mentoring young athletes and working in youth sports. Watts passed away at 73, leaving behind a legacy that reached far beyond basketball.
Dallas Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd reflected on Watts’ contributions, emphasizing the loss the basketball world has suffered. “Yeah, I didn’t, uh, I didn’t know Mr. Watts that well, um. But what SuperSonics, um, and being able to be Mr. Seattle, you know, just understanding he had an incredible career, um, and was very talented,” Kidd said. “And did you know, not just on the basketball court, but off the court, um, with youth sports, uh, and basketball he did a lot there. So, uh, it’s unfortunate. We lost a good one.”
Ironically, Kidd once unknowingly imitated Watts’ signature look. In 2012, nearly two decades into his NBA career, the Hall of Fame point guard took the court wearing a headband for the first time. The reason? A cut he suffered from Lance Stephenson in a game against the Pacers. Kidd wasn’t trying to start a fashion trend—he was just covering up the wound. But seeing a 39-year-old, bald Kidd with a crooked headband left fans stunned. After almost 20 years of playing without one, it was an unexpected, unintentional nod to Watts, the man who helped popularize the look.
Watts’ influence didn’t stop at the professional level—it carried on through his family. His grandson, Isaiah Watts, posted an emotional tribute on social media, sharing photos and writing, “I pray every time they see me they see you. Love you past life. I got us forever rest in paradise papa .”
From the hardwood to the city of Seattle, Watts’ presence was larger than life. He wasn’t just a player—he was a symbol of resilience, heart, and the lasting impact of sports beyond the game.
Beyond the game, Watts left a lasting impression on those who knew him, whether through his relentless hustle on the court or his dedication to shaping young lives off it. His impact was felt by an entire city, and in the wake of his passing, the tributes flooding social media prove just how much he meant to Seattle and the basketball community.
The franchises of Seattle and a NBA legend pay their respect to Slick Watts
The WNBA’s Seattle Storm honored him, writing, “We are saddened by the passing of Sonics icon Slick Watts. Slick was a champion for the Storm and a beloved member of the Seattle community. Our thoughts and condolences are with his family and loved ones at this time.” When his NBA career unexpectedly ended, he embraced a new role—mentoring young athletes and teaching physical education at a Seattle elementary school for nearly 20 years.
The official Seattle SuperSonics X account also paid tribute, posting, “We are deeply saddened by the passing of Supersonics legend Donald ‘Slick’ Watts. Thank you for years of love & passion you’ve provided our city & communities. Forever a legend .” Watts’ connection to Seattle remained unbreakable long after his playing days ended. Even after being traded to the New Orleans Jazz in 1978, he refused to leave the city he had come to love, once saying, “They can trade me, but they can’t make me move.”
The NBA History page recognized Watts’ contributions to the game, highlighting his historic 1975-76 season, when he led the league in assists and steals while earning All-Defensive First Team honors.
Former NBA star Isaiah Thomas kept his tribute simple but heartfelt, posting, “RIP to the legend Slick Watts .”
Watts’ influence reached far beyond his six-year NBA career. He was more than a player—he was a part of Seattle’s identity. The tributes pouring in are a testament to the lasting impact of a man who always gave his city everything he had.
The post “We Lost a Good One”: Jason Kidd Pays Tribute to Slick Watts as Family Mourns Passing of Seattle Legend appeared first on EssentiallySports.
