by the voice of the Spurs, Bill Schoening

Schoening

Sometimes it takes just a brief moment in time to realize the impact that David Robinson has on people.

About an hour before tipoff against the Pistons at the Palace of Auburn Hills, David was going through a casual warmup with his teammates.

David's knee was acting up again, so he wouldn't play this night, but he was loosening up, taking some midrange jumpers and sharing a light moment with guard Stephen Jackson. Robinson tried to emulate Jack's "shake and shimmy" move prior to releasing some baseline shots.

Watching #50 try some playground moves was pretty entertaining. However, I digress. A young father, probably in his early '30s, was standing behind the scorer's table, with his ten-year old son in tow. "David, would you please smile for the camera," he asked. Without hesitation, the Admiral turned, waved, and smiled a David Robinson smile. You know the one I'm talking about...one of those sincere, heartfelt glances that makes you feel special, no matter who you are. David then went back to his midrange jumpers. I then overheard the dad tell his son, "Josh, I want you to remember this moment for a long time, because David Robinson is a great basketball player, but he's an even better person."

David Robinson's impact has been felt throughout the world. Spurs/NBAE/Getty Images

At road arenas all year long, whether David was dressed out for the game or not, the applause and standing ovations have been heartfelt and sincere, just like David's smile. NBA fans know of the impact that the Admiral has had, both on and off the court.

One such ovation occurred in Toronto, where over 20,000 stood and applauded. That same night, the Star Bangled Banner got a loud and overwhelming cheer. Perhaps the Toronto fans wanted to offset the anthem being booed in Montreal at a hockey game weeks earlier, or maybe these fans wanted to acknowledge David Robinson and what he stands for.

After all, David not only represents San Antonio, but he also represents the USA...and aren't we all happy about that.