The Legacy of Slick Watts: A Pioneer in Basketball and Fashion
A Humble Beginning
Slick Watts, the unassuming point guard who became a beloved figure for Seattle SuperSonics fans, left an indelible mark on the sport and fashion world. Born Donald Earl Watts on July 22, 1951, in Rolling Fork, Mississippi, Watts’ journey from a modest upbringing to NBA stardom is a testament to his resilience and determination. His early basketball training involved shooting spitballs into a trash can, a far cry from the professional courts he would later grace.
Watts’ collegiate career at Xavier University of Louisiana was impressive, averaging 22.8 points per game and shooting 49% from the field. Despite his skills, his 6-foot-1 stature and the university’s relatively low profile meant he went undrafted in 1973. However, his college coach, Bob Hopkins, who was a cousin of Bill Russell, the Celtics great then coaching the Sonics, secured him a professional tryout. Russell offered him a $19,000-a-year contract, which, though modest, was a significant step forward.
The Rise of a Star
Watts’ first season with the SuperSonics was a revelation. Despite averaging only 22.9 minutes per game, he led the team with 5.7 assists per game. The following year, he helped lead the team to its first playoff appearance and was rewarded with a three-year contract for more than $100,000 a year. In the 1975-76 season, he averaged 8.1 assists and 3.2 steals per game, becoming the first player to lead the league in both categories. He was also named to the NBA all-defensive first team.
Watts’ unique style on and off the court made him a fan favorite. His bald head, gleaming with baby oil, and the headband he wore at a jaunty angle became his signature look. This eccentricity, combined with his hustle on the court, endeared him to fans and fellow players alike.
The End of an Era
Despite his success, Watts’ time with the SuperSonics was cut short. In 1977-78, a new coach, Lenny Wilkens, took over and found success giving other guards more playing time. Watts, who had demanded more money and a no-trade clause, found his role diminished. He was traded to the New Orleans Jazz in January 1978, a move he compared to a divorce or the death of a family member.
Watts’ career after the trade was less successful. He did not find a consistent role with the Jazz or the Houston Rockets and eventually retired. In the 1980s, he took a job as a physical education teacher at a Seattle elementary school, staying for nearly 20 years.
The Impact on Basketball Fashion
Watts’ influence extended beyond the court. His headband became a fashion signature, inspiring many players to adopt the style. In 2007, The New York Times asked Watts about the trend, to which he advised, "Don’t make a statement unless you’re bringing your game."
The Legacy Lives On
Watts’ legacy lives on through his family. His sons, Donald and Tony, were successful college basketball players, and his grandson, Isaiah Watts, and granddaughter, Jadyn Watts, currently play college basketball in Washington State.
Key Milestones in Slick Watts’ Career
| Year | Milestone |
|---|---|
| 1973 | Went undrafted but secured a tryout with the SuperSonics through his coach. |
| 1974 | Led the SuperSonics in assists with 5.7 per game. |
| 1976 | Became the first player to lead the league in both assists and steals. |
| 1978 | Traded to the New Orleans Jazz. |
| 1980s | Began a career as a physical education teacher in Seattle. |
FAQs
Q: What made Slick Watts a beloved figure among SuperSonics fans?
A: Watts’ hustle on the court, generosity off it, and unique style, including his bald head and headband, endeared him to fans.
Q: What was Slick Watts’ most significant achievement in the NBA?
A: Watts was the first player to lead the league in both assists and steals in the 1975-76 season.
Q: How did Slick Watts influence basketball fashion?
A: Watts’ headband became a fashion signature, inspiring many players to adopt the style.
Q: What did Slick Watts do after his NBA career?
A: Watts took a job as a physical education teacher at a Seattle elementary school and stayed for nearly 20 years.
Did You Know?
Watts’ headband was so iconic that it inspired a Seattle rap duo, the Blue Scholars, to title a song after him in 2012.
Pro Tip
When it comes to making a fashion statement on the court, remember Watts’ advice: "Don’t make a statement unless you’re bringing your game."
Reader Question
How do you think Slick Watts’ legacy will continue to influence basketball and fashion in the future? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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