The book on Williams

Orlando executive Pat Williams, a man who never met a networking opportunity he didn't like, joined the Magic on their West Coast swing to promote his new book, How to be Like Mike.

The book is a recollection of personal anecdotes from NBA insiders focusing on Michael Jordan.

Williams actually began promoting the book before Orlando started its road trip in Atlanta on Dec. 8. "I've been on the road longer than asphalt," Williams said.

Williams ran into Jordan a month ago in Boston, where he approached Jordan nervously looking for some form of approval.

"I saw you on television this morning and I saw you in Atlanta last week," Jordan told Williams. "What are you doing, following me around and telling my stories?"

"Well, Michael," Williams said, "your stories need to be told."

Williams and Jordan figure to get more quality airtime on local media outlets this week when Jordan and the Washington Wizards play the Magic on Friday at TD Waterhouse Centre.

"It may be the toughest ticket we've had in this town," Williams said, "including the days when we had Shaq [O'Neal] and Penny [Hardaway]."