Earl Watson Biography: Age, Wife, Kids, Net Worth, Height, Parents, Stats, Coaching Career

Earl Joseph Watson Jr., Also known as Earl Watson is a respected American professional basketball coach and former NBA point guard who has left his mark on the sport through steady play and innovative leadership.

Drafted in the second round by the Seattle SuperSonics in 2001 after a strong college run at UCLA, he spent 13 seasons as a reliable backup and starter across seven teams, known for his quick decision-making and defensive hustle.

Profile

• Full Name: Earl Joseph Watson Jr.
• Stage Name: Earl Watson
• Born: June 12, 1979
• Age: 46 years old
• Birthplace: Kansas City, Kansas
• Nationality: American
• Occupation: Basketball Coach, Former NBA Player
• Height: 6 feet 1 inch
• Parents: Earl Watson Sr. and Estella Watson
• Siblings: LaToya Watson (sister), Victor Watson, Robert Watson, Fernando Watson, Ryan Watson, Joseph Watson, and Dwayne Watson (brothers)
• Spouse: Jennifer Freeman (divorced)
• Children: Isabella Amora Watson
• Relationship: Single
• Net Worth: $16 million USD

Early Life and Education

Earl Watson was born on June 12, 1979, in Kansas City, Kansas.

Raised by his parents, Earl Watson Sr. and Estella Watson, in a large family of seven siblings that included his sister LaToya and brothers Victor, Robert, Fernando, Ryan, Joseph, and Dwayne, he grew up in a working-class home blending African-American and Mexican-American roots.

He attended Washington High School in Kansas City, where he averaged 23.4 points and 8.3 assists as a senior, earning a spot in AAU programs that opened doors.

His background ties him to American culture with Hispanic influences, and he follows Christianity.

Career

Earl Watson broke into the NBA in 2001 as the Seattle SuperSonics’ second-round pick (39th overall), signing a multi-year deal and quickly becoming a backup point guard known for his speed and assists.

He spent three seasons there, averaging 5.2 points and 4.0 assists, before moving to the Memphis Grizzlies in 2005, where he started more games and hit career highs like 11.5 points in 2006-07.

Trades took him to the Denver Nuggets in 2007, then back to Seattle (now Oklahoma City Thunder) in 2008, followed by stints with the Indiana Pacers in 2009-10 and Utah Jazz from 2010 to 2013, where he peaked with 6.6 million salary and solid bench roles.

Retiring in 2014, he jumped into coaching as an assistant with the Austin Spurs in the NBA D-League, then joined the Phoenix Suns as an assistant in 2015.

After a 0-3 start in 2016-17, he became interim head coach, making history as the first Latino NBA head coach, but went 33-49 before getting fired.

He served as assistant with the Toronto Raptors from 2021 to 2024, then moved to the San Diego Toreros as an assistant in September 2024.

Social Media

• Instagram handle: @earljwatson
• Twitter handle: @Earl_Watson

Personal Life

Earl Watson, 46, is a respected American professional basketball coach and former NBA player.

He married actress Jennifer Freeman on May 16, 2009, but they separated in 2011 after a brief, rocky union marked by public disputes, including a 2015 divorce filing where he claimed she attacked him; they share custody of their daughter Isabella Amora Watson, born in 2010.

He stands at 6 feet 1 inch.

In September 2018, he got engaged to Fox Sports 1 personality Joy Taylor, but they split soon after, keeping details private.

Now single, he focuses on fatherhood and family ties.

Raised in Kansas City by Earl Sr. and Estella Watson, he stays close to his six siblings, though brother Dwayne passed in 2014 from injuries in an altercation, fueling his coaching passion.

Net Worth

Earl Watson is a respected American professional basketball coach and former NBA player.

His net worth comes in at about $16 million USD.

He earned over $42 million in NBA salaries across 13 seasons, with a peak of $6.6 million in 2010, plus coaching contracts like with the Suns and Raptors.