The Olbrich Odyssey: From the Snakepit to the States

Once a Hawk, always a Hawk! Even when the man finds himself 15,000 kilometres away in a landscape of skyscrapers, deep-dish pizza and freezing winters, Chicago, Illinois.

Lachlan Olbrich, the South Australian kid with the unorthodox handle and the heart of a champion, has just wrapped up a rookie campaign in the NBA that would make any Hawk fan stand up and cheer.

It’s been a whirlwind twelve months for the big man. It feels like only yesterday at the packed Sandpit, in that heart-stopping, championship-clinching Game 5 of the NBL25 Finals, Olbrich was thrust into the furnace. With Sam Froling sidelined, the youngster didn't just fill a gap; he owned the moment. In what would be his final game as a Hawk, he stayed on the floor for big minutes, delivering 12 points, 4 rebounds, and 3 assists to ensure the Hawks second championship.

But if there’s one thing we know about Olbrich, it’s that he doesn’t just show up; he belongs.

A Jersey with a Story

When Olbrich landed in North America, he carried more than just his luggage. Drafted 55th overall by the Lakers before a trade sent him to the Bulls, Lachlan made a choice that resonated far beyond the box score. He pulled on the No. 47 - a moving tribute to his late father. It was a poignant reminder that while the lights are brighter in the NBA, the foundation was built on family and the hard-wood courts back home.

Dominating the Developmental Path

The path for a second-round pick is rarely paved with gold; it’s usually paved with long bus trips in the G-League. Suiting up for 11 games with the Windy City Bulls, Olbrich didn’t just participate, he looked like a man amongst boys.

The numbers he put up were a revelation, proving his "big man" label is far too narrow for his skillset. He wasn't just clogging the paint; he was orchestrating the floor.

Lachlan Olbrich: G-League 2025-26 Stats

Games: 11

MIN: 31.1

PTS: 20.2

REB: 8.6

AST: 5.5

FG% 60

He finished his stint with three double-doubles and one triple-double, proving that the flair we saw at the WIN Entertainment Centre translates to any language, on any continent.

Rare Air: The Triple-Double Club

When the call came to suit up for the main roster alongside fellow Australian Josh Giddey (son of former Hawk Warrick Giddey), Olbrich didn’t blink. Across 37 NBA appearances, he carved out a niche as a high-energy rotation piece, averaging 2.3 points and 2.9 rebounds while shooting a sturdy 46% inside the arc.

However, it was the season finale against the Dallas Mavericks where Olbrich truly etched his name into the history books. By racking up 10 points, 15 rebounds, and 10 assists, he secured an NBA triple-double in his debut season.

In doing so, he joins illustrious company, following in the footsteps of former Hawk LaMelo Ball as one of those to represent the Hawks and record a triple-double as an NBA rookie. It’s a short list, and it’s a golden one.

What’s Next for the Champ?

Olbrich leaves his first season with his head held high. He broke into an NBA rotation as a late second-round pick, no small feat in a league that eats rookies for breakfast. He maintained his efficiency, provided a spark off the bench, and proved he has the vision of a guard in the body of a bruiser.

He might be wearing a different red,black and white jersey these days, but the DNA is pure Hawk. Lachlan Olbrich is just getting started. And as they say in the Gong: once a Hawk, always a Hawk.

We'll be watching, Lachie. Keep flying.

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