Washington Exchanged Its Team Captain for Two Second-Round Chances
On June 17, 1985, the Washington Bullets sent Greg Ballard to the Golden State Warriors for the No. 31 selection in the next day's NBA draft and an additional 1987 second-round choice. A contemporary Washington Post account confirms both draft assets. Ballard had been a reliable Washington starter and its team captain, making the trade a meaningful personnel change rather than a routine end-of-bench move. Golden State wanted a proven forward; Washington preferred flexibility as it rebuilt its frontcourt around different players.
Ballard Provided Two Full Warriors Seasons of Experience
Ballard was a genuine contributor for Golden State. During 1985-86 he appeared in seventy-five games, logged 1,792 minutes and recorded 662 points and 417 rebounds. He played all eighty-two games the following season, adding 579 points and 340 rebounds in 1,579 minutes. The combined Warriors return was 157 games, 3,371 minutes, 1,241 points and 757 rebounds. Those figures justify a good receiving-team grade. His previous years in Washington, however, do not become additional Golden State value from the trade.
The Thirty-First Pick Became Manute Bol and a Historic Defensive Season
Washington spent its incoming No. 31 pick on Manute Bol, a 7-foot-7 center who had played at Bridgeport. The rookie instantly changed opponents' shots around the basket, appearing in eighty games in 1985-86 and recording 397 blocked shots. He led the league at roughly five blocks a game and earned All-Defensive Second Team recognition. Bol remained with the Bullets for three seasons, providing a degree of defensive impact beyond what most second-round picks deliver. That rookie season alone gave the acquired choice a substantial return.
The Later Pick Was Another Asset, but Bol Decided the Comparison
The second selection in Washington's package ultimately became No. 36 Duane Washington in the 1987 draft. The historical ledger should recognize that incoming right without assigning unrelated NBA games to the Bullets. Golden State's two useful Ballard seasons were far from a failure; he served as a dependable veteran and helped its rotation. Yet Washington turned the first second-round pick into one of the most distinctive shot blockers in NBA history, while also retaining a later choice. That sporting return exceeds the valuable but shorter Ballard stint.
Final Verdict
Bullets Win. Washington earns A+ for Manute Bol's 397-block rookie season and subsequent Bullets center contributions, plus the 1987 second-round choice. Golden State receives B for Greg Ballard's 157 Warriors games, 3,371 minutes, 1,241 points and 757 rebounds. The Warriors found a useful veteran, but Bol's extraordinary immediate defensive impact made the Washington draft return better.