The gap in impact between first and second places in the LaMarcus Aldridge free-agency sweepstakes is much like what the Suns now encounter now. The drop in potential impact on the Suns between Aldridge and any other available free agent is severe.
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The Suns made a surprisingly effective three-day run at Aldridge to rise from longshot to runner-up but that status now is about as valuable as the multi-story downtown banner they had planned to unveil Saturday.
It became another tough Suns loss to the Spurs when Aldridge picked the anticipated favorite for their pedigree, instant championship contention, his home state location close to his two kids and Coach Gregg Popovich's pledge to be his coach for the entire four-year contract.