Max power: Bullets add rising star

Brisbane-born guard and 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 on a two-year-deal, fresh off a Finals MVP performance at the Adidas Eurocamp.

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.

Following this strong showing, Mackinnon lined up for Charlotte at the 2026 NBA Summer League in Las Vegas, which led to the Bullets opportunity presenting itself.

"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."

Mackinnon, the son of Bullets legend and NBL07 champion Sam 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.

Mackinnon 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.

Bullets Head Coach and President of Basketball Operations Will Weaver 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," 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."

Mackinnon joins Tyrell Harrison, Nate Hinton, Jaylin Williams, Arnas Velička, Jacob Holt, Sam McDaniel, Lat Mayen, Taine Murray, Mitch Norton, Harry Rouhliadeff and Rio Bruton on Weaver’s roster.

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