The LSU Basketball team got off to a red hot start this week in the transfer portal landing a flurry of commitments. After landing a pair of commitments on Monday from Center Mike Nwoko and Point Guard Dedan Thomas Jr, and a commitment from shooting guard Rashad King on Wednesday, everyone was waiting for the next domino to fall.
After landing a starting point guard, shooting guard, and a player who can start at center, the LSU Tigers needed to add size and scoring on the wing. Late on Thursday Night, the LSU Basketball team made their first addition on the wing.
Portland Transfer SF Max Mackinnon commits to LSU
Late on Thursday Night, Portland Small Forward Max Mackinnon announced his commitment to LSU and Matt McMahon.
BREAKING: Portland transfer SF Max Mackinnon has committed to LSU, @DraftExpress reports🐯https://t.co/R12ZDwYlCT pic.twitter.com/Pn7CbBSgbr
— Transfer Portal (@TransferPortal_) April 4, 2025
This season at Portland, Max Mackinnon averaged 14.5 points per game, 4.8 rebounds per game, and 3.2 assists per game while shooting 46.7% from the field. The most attractive part of Mackinnon's game is the fact that he shot 40.7% from three which is massive after LSU shot 30.5% from three this season.
When you watch Max Mackinnon play, it's easy to see why Matt McMahon and his staff moved to land the Mid-Major transfer.
6'6 JR G Max Mackinnon, one of the BEST PLAYERS in mid-major basketball, is officially in the PORTAL!! Mackinnon was outstanding for a competitive Portland team this season, averaging (in conference):
— Workin It Hoops (@workinithoops) March 25, 2025
• 18.4 PPG
• 4.5 RPG
• 3.7 APG
• 44.4% 3PT (3.5 3PA/G)
Unreal stats -… pic.twitter.com/w5dLmQOyj7
Mackinnon is from Australia which gives him interesting ties as David Patrick is an assistant coach on the Australian National Team.
The LSU Basketball team only had one small forward this season in Dji Bailey and Max Mackinnon is a massive upgrade with more size, better shooting numbers, and the ability to be a high level scorer. Adding Mackinnon gives LSU a spot up shooter who Dedan Thomas Jr can find and distribute the ball to making the offense better.
The Tigers have gotten off to a hot start in the transfer portal as the roster is starting to take shape for the 2025 season. LSU committed to spending more in the transfer portal and thus far the results on paper are the best of the Matt McMahon era.