Former NBA player and Bill Russell recruit Donald 'Slick' Watts dies at 73

The Oklahoma City Thunder beat the Boston Celtics 118-112 and are firmly in first in the Western Conference. Nick Wright and Kevin Wildes discuss the biggest takeaways from the matchup.

Former NBA player Donald "Slick" Watts has died at the age of 73. 

Watts became one of the NBA's self-made men and a fan favorite of the Seattle SuperSonics after going from an undrafted rookie in 1973 to the All-Defensive first team and becoming an assists and steals leader in 1976.

Watts’ son, Donald, who played for the University of Washington, announced his father’s death Saturday on social media.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

Guard Donald Watts of the Mobile Revelers dribbles the ball during an NBDL game against the North Charleston Lowgators at the Mobile Civic Center in Mobile, Ala. (Kent Smith /NBAE/Getty Images)

"You did so much for so many of us. It was an honor call you pops," the son said.  

Watts had been in poor health since a stroke in 2021.

Watts was signed by coach Bill Russell to play for the Sonics in 1973 as an undrafted rookie. He was with Seattle for less than five years but became known for his broad smile, bald head and crooked headbands. He led the league in steals in the 1975-76 season.

STEPHEN A SMITH BLASTS LEBRON JAMES FOR 'WEAK' APPROACH OVER BRONNY JAMES CONFRONTATION

He later played for the New Orleans Jazz and the Houston Rockets but made Seattle his home after his career and frequently attended Sonics and Washington and Seattle Storm games.

"We are saddened by the passing of Sonics icon Slick Watts," the Storm posted to social media. "Slick was a champion for the Storm and a beloved member of the Seattle community."

Grandson Isaiah Watts, who plays for Washington State, posted