Paul Pierce headlines Basketball Hall of Fame nominees

Boston Celtics star Paul Pierce and longtime player, coach and broadcaster Doug Collins lead the first-time nominees announced Tuesday for the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame Class of 2021.

Also making their debut as candidates are Michael Cooper, Howard Garfinkel, Lou Henson, Val Ackerman, Yolanda Griffith and Lauren Jackson. Finalists are scheduled to be announced during the NBA All-Star break, March 5-10, and those elected would be unveiled at the NCAA Final Four.

The Class of 2021 enshrinement ceremony is scheduled to take place in Springfield next September.

The Class of 2020 ceremony, headlined by Lakers star Kobe Bryant, was postponed because of the COVID-19 pandemic and has been rescheduled for May 13-15 in Uncasville, Conn.