Don Nelson Saw an Unusual Role for Manute Bol
On June 8, 1988, Golden State traded center Dave Feitl and a 1989 second-round selection to Washington for Manute Bol. The Bullets eventually used the pick at No. 41 on Doug Roth. A contemporary Washington Post report explained why the trade was an opportunity for both teams: Bol wanted more playing time behind Moses Malone, while incoming Warriors coach Don Nelson had admired the seven-foot-six shot blocker for years. Washington acquired another center and a future prospect instead of retaining a defensive specialist with an increasingly restricted rotation role. No first-round pick changed hands. Golden State was not seeking a high-scoring post player but a defender whose immense reach could transform the opponents shot selection.
Bol Became a Featured Golden State Shot Blocker
Bol played 80 Warriors games in 1988-89, starting four, and remained one of the leagues leading blockers. Nelson also famously experimented with putting him outside the three-point line, a stark departure from his earlier Washington role. Bol was a limited scorer and rebounder for a player of his height, so his value should be judged by the shots he altered and the defensive lineups made possible rather than points per game alone. Golden State returned to the playoffs that season, with the Run TMC era emerging during Bol’s tenure. His 1989-90 season added 75 more appearances and 20 starts, confirming the team obtained multiple years of specialist playing value for a center and a low second-round selection.
Washington Received Feitl and a Late Draft Prospect
Feitl became a Washington reserve center but did not provide the same elite shot-blocking skill as Bol. The 1989 selection eventually became Doug Roth, a second-round prospect rather than a guaranteed future starter. Washington had reasons to prefer a different roster construction, especially with Malone already providing the primary interior minutes, but it did not turn either incoming asset into a similarly distinctive defensive presence. The Warriors Win inherited verdict is grounded in Bol’s 155 combined regular-season appearances across his first two Golden State seasons and the specialized role Nelson built for him. Roth’s later professional activity should not be conflated with an extended Bullets career if he did not play corresponding NBA minutes. The trade underscores how a seemingly narrow skill can become valuable in a system designed around that skill.
Final Verdict
Warriors Win. Golden State acquired Manute Bol, who made 80 appearances in 1988-89 and 75 in 1989-90 as a high-impact defensive specialist. Washington received Dave Feitl and a 1989 No. 41 second-rounder used on Doug Roth. The Warriors found the stronger immediate on-court role.