Olbrich is a 6’10” big who could help the Cavs.
The Cleveland Cavaliers have a pair of second-round NBA Draft picks this summer. We’re profiling several prospects to keep an eye on as we approach the big day.
Today, we’re focusing on Lachlan Olbrich.
Who is Lachlan Olbrich?
Olbrich is a 21-year-old international player who averaged 8.7 points and 3.8 rebounds last season with Illawarra. His athletic 6’10” frame makes him a prospect to target for the Cavs.
Where is Olbrich expected to go in the draft?
Olbrich had a strong draft combine, making it more likely he will be taken in the second round than undrafted overall. The Cavs might miss on a chance to take him at 49th or 58th — but this deep into this draft, anything is possible.
Lachlan Olbrich’s skill, craft and toughness earned him a callup to the NBA Combine with 31 points, 17 rebounds in 42 minutes. The 6’10 Australian won the NBL Championship with Illawarra this season, with some big games in the finals. pic.twitter.com/XCmriJcYHK
— Jonathan Givony (@DraftExpress) May 13, 2025
What do the experts say about Olbrich?
“An Australian big with a high motor, Olbrich does the little things that impact winning. He plays with tremendous effort and finds himself in the right place at the right time, which is a result of his good natural feel for the game. ”
Ersin Demir’s NBA Draft Newsletter:
“He’s a strong and athletic five who bulked up to 230 pounds. His quick feet and fluid hips are results of his great core strength. He’s mobile and agile, and playing professional ball helped him to recognize how he must use his physicality to create advantages.”
“What distinguishes Olbrich is his combination of skill and decision-making ability — two qualities highly valued by NBA talent evaluators. His performances at the pre-draft events have only strengthened his case as a legitimate prospect with translatable skills for the next level.”
How could Olbirch help the Cavs?
A crafty, athletic forward who has a great feel for the game is an immediate fit in Cleveland. Olbrich wouldn’t need to do anything other than fill a small role on the bench. If his intangibles are as advertised — this is a feat he could accomplish even as a rookie.
Let me not get carried away. Whenever we discuss a second-round prospect, it’s essential to be realistic. Olbrich is a limited three-point shooter — and we’ve already seen a similar version of this prospect in Cleveland’s Luke Travers. There’s no guarantee that any of Olbrich’s play-finishing translates to the speed of the NBA game.
Still, Olbrich’s pure athleticism and brute force rolling to the rim are worth betting on. He’s been effective in the pick-and-roll and has a broad frame capable of setting huge screens. That’s something the Cavs are missing right now.