The Japan Times will run excerpts from Hall of Fame writer Sam Smith's new book "There Is No Next: NBA Legends on the Legacy of Michael Jordan" on the NBA great beginning in Wednesday's print edition.

Smith, who has written a bi-monthly column for this newspaper for the past two seasons, is the author of the 1992 classic and best seller on the former Chicago Bulls star entitled "The Jordan Rules."

"There Is No Next" looks at the lasting impact of Jordan 30 years after his NBA debut in 1984. Smith interviewed those who played with and against Jordan, coached him, and watched as he raised the sport to a new level as the Bulls won six NBA titles and the shooting guard became a global icon.

The tome, issued by Diversion Publishing, features interviews with giants of the game including Phil Jackson, Rick Barry, Larry Bird, Magic Johnson, David Stern and also President Barack Obama. It includes many previously untold stories and insights from those who were witnesses to basketball history.

The 51-year-old Jordan retired in 2003 after playing two seasons with the Washington Wizards. He finished his 15-year NBA career with a total of 32, 292 regular-season points.

Twelve seasons after his retirement, Jordan remains the NBA's all-time leading scorer per game with a 30.1 average. As time goes on, his legend only continues to grow.