Pinckney Leaving SportsNet

Ed Pinckney's tenure with Comcast SportsNet as the 76ers' analyst was brief. He is leaving after one season to join the coaching staff of the Chicago Bulls.

This was a very difficult decision for Pinckney, who thoroughly enjoyed his role sitting next to play-by-play voice Marc Zumoff, but he has a long-standing relationship with Tom Thibodeau, the Bulls' new coach.

Pinckeny confirmed the move to the Daily News, but declined to comment until a formal announcement comes from SportsNet and the Bulls.

Pinckney, 47, was the centerpiece of Villanova's NCAA championship in 1985. He was the No. 10 overall pick in the NBA's 1985 draft, slected by the Phoenix Suns. In the course of his career, he also logged time with Sacramento, Boston, Milwaukee, Toronto, the Sixers and Miami. He retired in 1997.

Since then, he has done radio and TV work for the Heat and has served as an assistant coach for Villanova and the Minnesota Timberwolves.