Rookie Olbrich embraces Aussie connection

Friday, August 15, 2025

Australian rookie Lachlan Olbrich is embracing his NBA journey with the Chicago Bulls, praising Josh Giddey’s vision and outlining the work he’s putting in to make an impact at the next level.

Josh Giddey’s future at the Chicago Bulls may be uncertain, but one Australian teammate is eager for the Boomers star to stay in the Windy City.

Former Illawarra Hawk Lachlan Olbrich joined the Bulls as a June NBA Draft pick and has been training alongside Giddey in Melbourne during the off-season.

"He rang me after I got drafted," Olbrich told ESPN’s Olgun Uluc.

"I was excited, but he sounded pretty excited [too].

"Giddey's an elite level player.”

"Playing with someone with that level vision where, if you're open, you're gonna get the ball. He's a player you wanna play with.

“In these runs, my role is creating openings for other people. Giddey finds those passes as well. He's not just a one-dimensional pick-and-roll [player who] only hits the roller; he'll hit one of four other open guys on the court."

Olbrich’s rise over the past year was rapid. He delivered a career-best season and, at just 21, played a crucial role in Illawarra’s drought-breaking championship.

His strong play at the Combine in Chicago cemented his draft credentials, leading to his name being called with the 55th overall pick.

It was the perfect reward for years of dedication and growth.

"I think they really liked my work ethic that they saw at the G-League Elite camp and then the Draft Combine," Olbrich said.

"They saw how hard I hustled, and the one percent things. I think they see me... being able to do a bit of everything."

But the hard work is far from over. Getting drafted is one achievement, but proving himself on an NBA court is an entirely new challenge.

Olbrich has already been handed a clear set of instructions from the Bulls’ coaching staff.

"Just spacing the floor, keep being that connector guy," Olbrich said, on what he's working on.

"Heavy on the rebounds, I've got to be able to rebound the ball against more athletic people in the NBA. That's the more simplified version of what I'm working on right now."

Read the full story here >> 'Facing adversity': Lachlan Olbrich on heartbreak, hustling, and Giddey