Inside the mind of an NBA Superstar

Michael Jordan will play his last NBA game this week, and without a doubt, he leaves the game of professional basketball as a legend, with a legacy as a true NBA superstar.

He leaves the game of basketball this time not only as a player, but also as a mentor. A player with thoughts of what he did right as a member of the Chicago Bulls, and a mentor to what he could have done different as a member of the Washington Wizards.

There is no doubt that, for years to come, there will be much written and said about this great legend.

As other superstars in the NBA say farewell to MJ, they are still left to create their own unique memories.

Inside the mind of an NBA superstar, they are constantly etching and mapping out their own legacy -- how they want to be remembered and what valuable lessons they want to leave behind, may often cross their mind.

With the end of the NBA regular season almost a fading memory, some of these superstars will be left to ponder what happened during the season. When they walk back into the cold dark empty arena after bitter defeats and a few notable wins, they will question their skills and their abilities as a basketball player.

They will understand the disappointment of the loyal fans and their team. They will reflect back on whether they can again be the player that shattered high school and collegiate records. Sure they had some good moments, a number of good seasons, and the times when they were sport's heroes, but will it be enough to create a legacy that will fill chapters or just a paragraph or two? Everyone gets their moments in time, their five minutes of fame, especially NBA superstars. Even though some superstars will not have the longevity or legacy of a career as Jordan, they will all have memorable moments in NBA history and in the minds of basketball fans. Times when they rallied their team to a close victory or made the winning shot.

Remember when Jordan decided to come out of retirement and return back to the game of basketball? A few critics, along with some former and present NBA players, said he would be risking his legacy.

Well, he didn't. His legacy is stronger than ever.

This time Jordan doesn't go out with a championship, but he is still a winner, someone who has garnered much respect on the court, and in the name of the NBA.

So NBA superstars, create your own legacy. Never let it be far from your thoughts. It doesn't matter how long or how short your career is, just write it with respect, just like Mike did.