The San Antonio Spurs roster was unchanged after the free agency period, a lot different than what their Finals opponent now has. Still, the current NBA champions will still be the favorites to win a second consecutive title for the upcoming season. 

Here are some reasons why:

Retained Role Players

A lot of people, particularly those from Miami were surprised of the level of play showcased by Patty Mills as well as Boris Diaw, who both came off the bench during most of the regular season. But in the NBA Playoffs' biggest stage, the two players played their best - Mills hitting three pointer after three pointer, and Diaw dishing assists like a point guard. The Spurs management has done a great job signing both players who hit free agency earlier last month. 

Rising Star

Kawhi Leonard was the NBA Finals MVP, and it certainly showed that the young player has tremendous upside, and is a sure cornerstone of the post-Duncan era for San Antonio. Leonard averaged more than 20 points in the last three games of the Finals where the Spurs won over Heat with an average of 18 points. 

Still In The Popovich Era

After his contract expired this off-season, coach Gregg Popovich signed a new one with the Spurs, though details of the contract were confidential. But now that he is officially on board for a potential return trip to the Finals, the Spurs is looking very good in its position as the best team in the West in spite three aging superstars. 

The Real Big Three 

Tim Duncan, Manu Ginobili and Tony Parker have the NBA record for the most Playoff wins by a trio. While Duncan's play has declined through the years, he still remains a threat from the inside on both the defensive and offensive ends. Ginobili has bounced back from the forgettable errors he made during Game 6 of the NBA Finals in 2013 where the Spurs could have won it against Miami. Parker, while suffering minor injuries throughout the season and Playoffs, kept going until the final buzzer. Truly, the heart of this trio is unmatched and is a living testament that three stars can co-exist in a team, without one overshadowing the others.