Slick Watts’s net worth at the time of his demise was estimated to be around $10 million, accumulated through a successful basketball career and lucrative post-retirement ventures.
Slick Watts, whose real name was Donald Earl “Slick” Watts, was an American basketball player known for his time in the NBA during the 1970s.
From 1973 to 1979, he played point guard for teams such as the Seattle SuperSonics, New Orleans Jazz, and Houston Rockets.
Tragically, he passed away on March 15, 2025, at the age of 73. He had been in poor health since suffering a stroke in 2021, which impacted his health.
While the exact cause of his passing hasn’t been disclosed, his health challenges following the stroke likely played a role.
Slick Co-Founded A Basketball Academy With His Son, Donald, Which Contributed To His Net Worth Post-Retirement!
Despite his fame, Slick Watts led a relatively modest lifestyle. He wasn’t known for his flashy car collection, luxury, or extravagant spending.
His net worth at the time of his passing was estimated to be over $10 million.
He primarily earned his wealth through his basketball career, where he gained fame as an NBA point guard.
His standout performances, including leading the league in assists and steals during the 1975-76 season, contributed significantly to his financial success.
While his income during his playing days might have been sufficient for a comfortable life, it’s important to note that NBA salaries in the 1970s were not as high as today’s.
Additionally, Watts was not widely known for high-profile endorsements or extensive business ventures beyond basketball.
After retiring from professional basketball, Slick focused on community-oriented ventures.
His primary focus after his NBA career was community engagement and youth development.
He dedicated himself to education, working as a physical education teacher in Seattle for nearly two decades.
Likewise, he coached basketball at Franklin High School in the Seattle area and played tennis recreationally.
While these roles reflect his dedication to community and sports, they likely contributed modestly to his net worth compared to his basketball career.
As for his family, Slick had a close-knit bond with his son Donald Watts, who followed in his footsteps as a basketball player and coach.
Slick and his son, Donald, ran a basketball academy in the Seattle area, mentoring young athletes and fostering talent.
This family business became a cornerstone of his post-NBA life, emphasizing his commitment to giving back to the community.
Moreover, Donald’s son, Isaiah Watts, also plays college basketball. He currently plays as a guard for Washington State University.
Donald’s daughter, Jadyn Watts, is carrying on the family legacy in basketball. She plays forward for Western Washington University‘s women’s basketball team.
Also, she has been actively involved in the Watts Basketball Academy, mentoring young athletes.
Slick Watts’s Accolades And Achievements Contributed To His Fame And Financial Success!
In the 1975-76 season, he became the first player in NBA history to lead the league in both assists and steals.
He was also named to the NBA All-Defensive First Team that year.
In 1976, he received this prestigious award for outstanding service and community dedication.
Before his NBA career, Watts excelled at the Xavier University of Louisiana, earning NAIA All-American honors in 1972 and leading the team to back-to-back NAIA District 30 championships.
Moreover, he was inducted into the Louisiana Association of Basketball Coaches Hall of Fame in 1991 and the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame in 2011.
These accomplishments not only solidified his legacy but also contributed to his financial standing.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- Slick was born on July 22, 1951, in Rolling Fork, Mississippi.
- He attended Grand View Junior College before transferring to the Xavier University of Louisiana.
