For those who watched him, or just heard the stories, Slick Watts was more than a name – he was a feeling. A feeling of pure, unadulterated joy. And now, that feeling is mixed with a deep sadness, as Seattle says goodbye to a man who touched so many lives. It’s not just about basketball; it’s about the memories he left behind, etched in the hearts of a city.

Slick Watts’ son, Donald, shared the news on social media. “You did so much for so many of us. It was an honor to call you pops,” he wrote, capturing the deep admiration people had for the former Sonics guard. Watts had been battling health issues since suffering a stroke in 2021, but his legacy remained strong.

Meanwhile, Seattle native Jamal Crawford, who grew up idolizing Watts, paid his respects in a heartfelt tribute. “A basketball giant, but better than that—a COMMUNITY GIANT. Rip legend! Prayers to the whole family 🙏🏾,” he wrote on X. But for Crawford, this wasn’t just a one-time tribute. His admiration for Watts ran deep.

In fact, Crawford honored Watts throughout his entire career in a unique way—by wearing a headband. It wasn’t just a fashion statement; it was a nod to the Sonics icon.

“I wore the headband because of Slick Watts,” Jamal Crawford once admitted in an interview with Ballislife.com. “Him playing in Seattle, I didn’t get a chance to see him play, but to see the highlights and different things, I thought it was cool, and at that time only Rasheed Wallace wore it. So when I’m on the court, I’ll stand out, and they’ll kind of separate me a little bit if I have this headband on, because nobody’s doing it.”  

And just like that, Watts’ legacy carried on—one headband at a time.

Like Jamal Crawford, basketball mourned Donald Watts’ demise

Back in the stylish ‘70s, when the NBA was filled with big personalities, Watts stood out with his signature crooked headbands, bald head, and infectious smile. Bill Russell saw something special in the undrafted rookie and brought him to the Seattle SuperSonics in 1973. It didn’t take long for Watts to prove himself, leading the league in steals and assists during the 1975-76 season. His time in Seattle may have been short, but his impact lasted far beyond.

As the heartbreaking news spread, tributes poured in. Former NBA center Eldridge Recasner, a fellow Xavier University of New Orleans alum, shared a more personal tribute. “Slick Watts was my man,” he wrote. “He was always nice to me and one of the coolest cats you could ever meet. I’m gon’ miss this dude, no bigger ambassador for the @SeattleSonics than Donald ‘Slick’ Watts!” 

Even though the Sonics moved to Oklahoma City and became Thunders, Watts’ legacy in Seattle never faded. Washington native and former NBA All-Star Isaiah Thomas also wrote on X, “RIP to the legend Slick Watts.” 

The Seattle Storm also honored the legend, recognizing his deep ties to the city’s basketball culture. “We are saddened by the passing of Sonics icon Slick Watts,” the team posted. Though he played only five seasons in Seattle, he made the city his permanent home, always showing up for Sonics events and supporting local teams. His presence will be missed, but his legacy? That’s forever.