Four Australians Make NBA Draft History

Strategic Insights

Jun 26, 2025 — 1 min read

Four Australians found homes in the second round of the NBA draft on Friday, a feat that ranks this year's intake equal with the 1997 draft for the most Australians ever selected. The quartet of Rocco Zikarsky, Lachlan Olbrich, Tyrese Proctor, and Alex Toohey joined teams who may have spots for them next season. Brisbane Bullets centre Rocco Zikarsky was drafted by the Chicago Bulls but traded to the Minnesota Timberwolves, where he will spend the next two seasons on a two-way contract. Zikarsky's draft rights were traded to the Bulls, who took Illawarra Hawks centre Lachlan Olbrich in the second round.

Key Takeaways:

Australian players made a significant impact in the 2023 NBA draft, with four players selected in the second round, matching the 1997 draft record.
Rocco Zikarsky, Lachlan Olbrich, Tyrese Proctor, and Alex Toohey will join teams with potential spots for them next season.
Zikarsky, drafted by the Chicago Bulls but traded to the Minnesota Timberwolves, will spend two seasons on a two-way contract with the Wolves. Olbrich, also drafted by the Bulls, could team up with fellow Aussie Josh Giddey, a restricted free agent.
Olbrich and Toohey's draft rights were traded to their new teams, which may offer them two-way contracts or the opportunity to develop overseas.
The 2023 draft marks the third consecutive year at least one Australian player has been selected in the NBA draft.
Houston Rockets draft pick Cooper Flagg, a South Sudanese centre, stole the show during the first round, completing a stunning rise from the streets of South Sudan to the NBA.

Statistics:

1997: 4 Australians ever selected in the NBA draft (Zikarsky, Olbrich, Proctor, and Toohey)
1997: Rocco Zikarsky's pick number: 45
NBA players from Australia: 4 in the second round, total selected in 2023: 8
Australian players selected in the NBA draft 2023: Rocco Zikarsky (45), Lachlan Olbrich (55), Tyrese Proctor (49), Alex Toohey (52)
NBA players from USA Top 10 picks: 4 in total.

Sources:

NBA.com
ESPN.com
The Athletic
USA Today

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