Tigers welcome back Mackinnon

Sam Mackinnon has overcome a career-threatening blood clot to become the Melbourne Tigers' 10th signing ahead of the 2009/10 NBL season.

Mackinnon joined Melbourne last year after stints with South East Melbourne Magic, Townsville, West Sydney and Brisbane but missed the second half of the 2008/09 season after a blood clot was detected in his lungs.

However, after being made a free agent, as all of his team-mates were after the Tigers initially decided to withdraw from the revamped elite men's league, Melbourne has decided to welcome Mackinnon back into the fold.

"I've been given the all clear now from doctors, so I'm thrilled I can continue playing basketball at the highest level with the Tigers," Mackinnon said.

"I've had a much longer rest now after the blood clot incident, so I'm ready and raring to go."

Coach Al Westover welcomed the re-signing of the seasoned veteran who has a whopping 432 NBL matches, two championships and the 2007 MVP award under his belt.

"Mackinnon is a very good offensive player and a great passer as well as a great team guy, it's a major coup for the club," he said.

"Having Sam part of our team, it puts us into one of the favourites for the crown again this season."

Mackinnon joins the likes of Chris Anstey, Mark Worthington, David Barlow and Luke Kendall as members of the Melbourne roster.