'Damn, I got drafted': Inside Olbrich's life-changing night

• Olbrich’s standout performance at the G League Elite Camp and NBA Draft Combine earned him a surprise Bulls selection.
• The Australian joins a Chicago team featuring compatriot Josh Giddey, with on-court chemistry already forming.
• Honouring his late father with jersey number 47, Olbrich aims to make his mark through rebounding, spacing, and development.

Lachlan Olbrich was picked by the six-time NBA champion Chicago Bulls despite not being ranked in most draft predictions until the NBA Draft Combine in Chicago.

The forward talked to ESPN about his draft night experience in California alongside fellow Aussie Alex Toohey.

From Unranked to NBA Draftee

Lachlan Olbrich's journey to the NBA defied expectations, rising from relative obscurity to hear his name announced on draft night. Not even ranked among the top 100 prospects for much of the pre-draft process, the former Illawarra Hawks forward's determination paid off.

"I didn't have a large understanding of what draft night was going to be looking like, but when I heard my name called with Chicago, it was kind of like, 'damn, I got drafted,'" Olbrich said.

"Chicago's an amazing city and a fantastic franchise when you look at the six rings they had back in the 90s."

His breakthrough occurred at the G League Elite Camp, where his unique mix of size and skill stood out, especially on the boards, securing a rebound roughly every two minutes. This display earned him an invitation to the NBA Draft Combine, firmly putting him on the radar of NBA front offices.

"I was not even in the top 100 for the majority of the draft process," Olbrich explained.

"I don't think you should value those mock drafts and those types of ratings from people, but when I got upgraded to the draft combine, I knew I was in that threshold of potential."

Australian Connection in Chicago

The Chicago Bulls have become something of an Australian basketball outpost, with assistant coach Damien Cotter and fellow Australian Josh Giddey already part of the organisation. This connection made Olbrich's transition smoother.

"Josh rang me after I got drafted,” Olbrich shared.

"He sounded pretty excited just to welcome me to the team like a fellow Aussie, saying he can't wait to get started and see what we can do."

The two Australians have already been developing the on-court chemistry during off season workouts. Olbrich praised Giddey's elite vision and play making ability.

"Giddey's an elite-level player with that type of vision where if you're open, you're going to get the ball. He's a player that you want to play with," Olbrich said.

"He's not just one-dimensional in the pick and roll, only hitting the roller – he can hit one of four other open guys on the court."

Summer League Adjustments

Like many international players, Olbrich went through an adjustment phase during NBA Summer League. The physicality and pace demanded adaptation, but he gradually improved throughout the competition.

"Summer League's a very fast-paced game. Each player had 10 personal fouls before they get fouled out, so it was very physical –almost a physicality I don't think I played with before," Olbrich said.

"There's always an adjustment period with whatever league or season I go into. The more I play, the better I can settle in and find my groove."

Family Support System

Following his father's passing at just 51 in 2024, Olbrich's family support has been vital to his growth and achievement. His mother has been especially active at his games and events.

"Family is everything," Olbrich emphasised."Through the hard times, they're the people you have to really lean on and rely on. From mum to my brother to extended family, they're all there for me."

This support extends to his professional career, with his mother planning to visit Chicago to help him settle into his new environment.He also chose jersey number 47 as a tribute to his late father, explaining it was a number that repeatedly appeared throughout his father's life.

"It's my way of saying he's with me when I'm playing," Olbrich said.

Focus on Development

As he prepares for his rookie NBA season, Olbrich is focusing on specific aspects of his game to earn minutes at the highest level.

"I'm working on spacing the floor, being a connected guy, and being heavy on the rebounds," he explained. "I've got to be able to rebound the ball against more athletic people in the NBA."

For young players looking to follow in his footsteps, Olbrich offers straightforward advice: "Keep getting in the gym. Have your team manager open the gym for you early, get in an hour before practice, stay an hour after practice. Keep working on your game that's translatable to that level you're trying to play at."

Bulls fans can expect to see an expanded offensive arsenal from Olbrich this season, as he confirmed plans to add more three-point shooting into his game, adapting to the modern NBA game .