Chicago Bulls star guard Josh Giddey congratulated Chicago’s newest rookie on being selected in the second round
In a heartwarming moment following the 2025 NBA Draft, Chicago Bulls star guard Josh Giddey welcomed the team’s newest rookie, Lachlan Olbrich, with a simple yet powerful message on Instagram: “welcome my boy @lachlanolbr.” Those three words, shared via Giddey’s Instagram story, resonated deeply with the Australian big man, reportedly leaving him stunned and speechless as he embarks on his NBA journey.
Olbrich is a native of Adelaide, South Australia, Australia, and now slots in next to Bulls point guard Josh Giddey, who is also Australian.
After the draft, Giddey took to Instagram to congratulate Olbrich on his selection and welcome him to the Bulls.
The Bulls strategically targeted international talent in the 2025 draft, selecting Noa Essengue from France with the 12th overall pick and Olbrich, a 6’10”, 230-pound forward, with the 55th pick in the second round. Olbrich, a native of Adelaide, South Australia, brings a versatile skill set and a winning pedigree to Chicago. Playing for the Illawarra Hawks in Australia’s NBL, he averaged 8.4 points across 37 games in 2025, contributing significantly to the team’s championship run. His standout performance in 2024 with the New Zealand NBL earned him both the league’s Most Valuable Player award and the Grand Final MVP honors.
Olbrich’s game draws comparisons to Bulls center Nikola Vucevic, thanks to his ability to read defenses and his offensive instincts. His performance at the NBA Draft Combine, where he erupted for 31 points and 17 rebounds in a scrimmage, showcased his potential and likely secured his upcoming two-way contract with the Bulls. While he may not see immediate playing time, Olbrich’s size, feel for the game, and international experience make him a promising addition to the roster.
For Giddey, a fellow Australian, the arrival of Olbrich is a chance to share the court with a compatriot. Giddey has already cemented his place in Bulls history, joining Michael Jordan as the only players in the franchise to record five or more triple-doubles in a season. On January 11, 2025, he made NBA history as the first player to achieve a triple-double with 100% field-goal accuracy in under 25 minutes, further solidifying his status as a cornerstone of the team.
Let’s call it what it is: Thunder got fleeced.
Giddey is still only 22. Caruso is 31.
Bulls got a future star without giving up any draft picks pic.twitter.com/z2snl729MI
— Die-Hard Chicago Bulls Fans (@DieHardCBfans) March 24, 2025
The connection between Giddey and Olbrich goes beyond their shared Australian roots. Giddey’s warm welcome signals the beginning of a mentorship that could help Olbrich navigate the challenges of the NBA. For a rookie stepping into the bright lights of Chicago, those three words from a star like Giddey carry weight, offering a sense of belonging and support as Olbrich prepares to carve out his own legacy with the Bulls.
As the 2025-26 season approaches, fans are eager to see how Olbrich integrates into the team and whether his chemistry with Giddey can translate to on-court success. For now, Giddey’s heartfelt message has set the tone for a new chapter in Chicago, one that’s already making waves Down Under and beyond.