The 10 Best NBA Free Agents According to Advanced Analytics

LeBron James

nERD: 15.5

Easily coming in at number-two on our free agent depth chart -- again, based on regular-season nERD -- is LeBron James. After winning Cleveland their first title in more than 50 years, James opted out of his current contract to become an unrestricted free agent. He, too, could be in line to sign one of the biggest contracts in the league, or he could opt for another short-term deal to keep his leverage and his options open. Either way, James is widely expected to resign in Cleveland, so if that happens, the Cavs are getting a 31-year-old LeBron who is still putting up huge numbers.

While his shooting numbers dropped some this season, James still shot 57.3 percent from two-point range, which is pretty incredible considering he ranked fourth in that category along with a bunch of big men. It shows that even if his three-point shot isn't falling, James is still the league's best player attacking the rim. The average distance of his shot dropped from 12.6 feet in 2014-15 to 9.6 feet this past season, which easily allowed him to lead the league in two-point field goals made.

Sure, his raw numbers are dropping some as he enters deeper into his 30s, but who cares? The guy has three rings, which puts him in elite company.