Philadelphia fans love players who show toughness, hustle, and energy. TJ McConnell, Paul Reed, and Mike Scott, along with the Sixers' second-round pick from last year, Adem Bona, have become crowd favorites for these reasons. They're players who have talent, just maybe not the top-level talent that lots of teams look for. But what they do offer is a very specific set of skills that they've developed over the years.
Before you know it, you're taken.
Depending on the Sixers' moves before or during draft night, they have a chance to add another one of those players that could develop into a nice role player and a Sixers fan favorite as well.
Say "G'Day Mate" to Lachlan Olbrich the 6'10" 230 lb. power forward from Australia.
Is he near the top of anyone's draft board? No. Is he among the elite center prospects in this draft like Khaman Maluach, Joan Berringer or Derik Queen? Again, no.
What does Olbrich bring to the table, you may ask?
All of the intangibles that are adored by the fans and team. He's "gritty," an adjective that everyone loves, especially in Philadelphia. When he participated in the NBA draft combine, his energy and toughness stood out to scouts and coaches. He has some style to his game, which is going to be needed if you're in Philly, but he's also tough and willing to do some dirty work. All of these are things that the team and its fans love.
While Olbrich won't be stretching the floor by drawing opposing centers out with his shooting (mostly because he's not even close to being good), he will play in the post and slightly out close to mid-range with an array of maneuvers that would bring joy to the fans. He's an excellent rebounder with good technique under the basket, and while he's a bit on the lighter side, he's able to move around and doesn't fear getting physical underneath.
One thing Olbrich has going for him is that he's considered a very unselfish player who also is adept with his hands whether that's taking passes, making quick decisions for anyone cutting to the basket, or setting for a catch-and-shoot three. His rebounding alone would be worth it for a team that lacked that part of the game and he's not a player that would look to be a star.
With a little work, Olbrich could develop more of a mid-range game to help spread the floor. However, if the team loads up on athletes and scorers, then all they need is a guy who doesn't have a problem doing the dirty work to see the team succeed.
The Sixers won't have to reach for Olbrich, he's not going to be taken in the early parts of the second round but he could be someone that they reach back into the later stages of the draft for or even grab as an undrafted free agent, much like they did with Justin Edwards last season.
