Bullets Bring Back Elite Young Guard Mackinnon

One of Australia's most exciting basketball prospects, Max Mackinnon, has returned to the Brisbane Bullets, five years after first representing his hometown club.

The 22-year-old joins the organisation fresh off a Finals MVP performance at the Adidas Eurocamp - Europe's top pre-draft basketball showcase and scouting event for elite prospects aged 16 to 22.

Representing Team Next Stars, he led his side to victory in the championship game, scoring 21 points on 8-of-14 shooting, including 3-of-6 from beyond the arc, to earn Finals MVP honours.

Mackinnon came through Basketball Australia's elite development pathway, progressing from Queensland junior basketball to the Centre of Excellence and NBA Global Academy before making his NBL debut as a Development Player with the Bullets during the NBL22 season.

He then took his talents to the United States, where he built an impressive NCAA Division I career. He burst onto the scene at Elon University, earning Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) Rookie of the Year honours.

He continued his development at the University of Portland before transferring to LSU, where he enjoyed a breakout campaign last season, averaging 15.7 points, 4.3 rebounds and 2.6 assists per game. He led the Tigers in scoring and had 24 double-figure scoring games, including 10 games of 20+ points.

Before heading overseas, Mackinnon had already established himself as one of Australia's premier young players. He was named to the All-Star Five after helping Queensland claim the 2021 Australian Under-20 National Championship.

He is the son of Bullets Championship-winning player-turned-coach Sam who was named 2007 NBL MVP and Grand Final MVP.

“Once I knew there was a chance to come back to Brisbane, I was really keen to make it happen,”  Mackinnon said. 

“I'm back in the city I call home and at a club that means so much to me and my family. I am eager to write my own story here.

“The organisation has been trending in a good direction over the last few months and I’m really excited about the opportunity to work with Coach Weaver and my new teammates.”

Will Weaver - Head Coach and President of Basketball Operations - believes Mackinnon’s work ethic and high ceiling make him a strong addition to the Bullets roster. 

“Max is a tremendous talent who has come through the Brisbane basketball pathway and understands what it means to represent the Bullets,” Will Weaver said.

“His steady improvement and the tenacity he showed climbing from Elon to LSU show he’s nowhere near his peak. 

“To have another player of NBA-level potential and ambition commit to our programme shows belief in what we are building here, and that is exciting for our fans and members.”