Watts was signed by coach Bill Russell to play for the Sonics in 1973 as an undrafted rookie. He was with Seattle for less that five years, but became a fixture known for his broad smile, bald head and crooked headbands.

Watts, who had a stroke in 2021, had been in poor health since. Grandson Isaiah Watts, who plays for Washington State, praised his grandfather on X: “I pray every time they see

Watts was a below-the-radar prospect before his NBA career began. He started his collegiate journey at Grand View Junior College, but transferred to Xavier University of Louisiana in 1970 and played out his eligibility there.