Pierce, Collins lead Hall’s debut 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. Other returnees to the ballot include Chauncey Billups, Chris Bosh, Richard Hamilton, Bob Huggins, Ben Wallace, Chris Webber, Jay Wright, Swin Cash and Spurs assistant coach Becky Hammon.

Finalists are scheduled to be announced in early March — in the time frame of NBA All-Star Weekend though it’s unclear if an actual All-Star event will take place — and those elected would be unveiled in early April, at the NCAA Final Four, if that happens as planned.

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

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

Sparks expand Fisher’s role: The Los Angeles Sparks extended coach Derek Fisher’s contract and appointed him the team’s general manager on Tuesday.

Fisher has guided the Sparks to a 37-19 record in his two years with the team and Los Angeles has reached the postseason both years.

Five of the 12 teams in the league have a coach also serving as the franchise’s general manager. One of Fisher’s first responsibilities as GM will be to bring back star Candace Parker, who is a free agent.