Donald Earl “Slick” Watts has died.
He was 73.
His son, Donald Watts, posted about his death on X.
“You did so much for so many of us,” he wrote. “It was an honor to call you pops. #rip #slickwatts”
No cause of death was reported, but Yahoo said he suffered a stroke in 2021 and has dealt with health issues since.
Watts went undrafted out of Xavier University of Louisiana and was then signed by the Seattle SuperSonics where he played from 1973 through 1978.
Watts, who earned his nickname because of his shaved head and was known for his creative headbands, led the NBA in steals and assists per game in the 1975-1976 season.
While he spent just seven years in the league, Yahoo noted that he became a beloved figure in Seattle and put down roots in the community and became a fixture at the Seattle Storm’s WNBA games and University of Washington games.
The Storm issued a statement on X on Saturday as well.
“We are saddened by the passing of Sonics icon Slick Watts,” it read. “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.”
The SuperSonics X account also issued a statement thanking Watts for the “years of love & passing you’ve provided our city and communities. Forever a legend.”