Ex-Bulls coach Doug Collins joins Hall of Fame hopefuls

Longtime player, coach and broadcaster Doug Collins was among the first-time nominees announced Tuesday for the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame Class of 2021.

Also announced as candidates for the first time were Paul Pierce, Michael Cooper, Howard Garfinkel, Lou Henson, Val Ackerman, Yolanda Griffith and Lauren Jackson. Finalists are scheduled to be announced during NBA All-Star Weekend, with those elected unveiled during the NCAA Final Four.

Collins coached the Bulls for three seasons from 1986 to 1989, amassing a 137-109 regular-season record and a 13-17 playoff record with the team. He also coached the Pistons (1995-98), Wizards (2001-03) and 76ers (2010-13).

As a player, Collins spent eight seasons with the 76ers after being drafted No. 1 overall out of Illinois State in 1973.

The Class of 2021 enshrinement ceremony is scheduled to take place in Springfield, Massachusett, next September. The Class of 2020 ceremony, headlined by the late Lakers star Kobe Bryant, was postponed because of the coronavirus pandemic and has been rescheduled for May 13-15 in Uncasville, Connecticut.