5 Reasons Detroit Pistons Fans Must Keep Hope for Next Season

Looking at a 25-41 record, many would assume it was a failure of a season for the Detroit Pistons. Of course, anything short of an NBA championship or at least a playoff appearance is less than impressive and not worth applauding. However, there are plenty of reasons to smile when looking into the crystal ball of the Pistons' future.

With a shortened year due to the lockout and a roster of unproven talent, the expectations for the 2011-12 Pistons season were set at a low bar. The Pistons weren't expected to make the playoffs or become the Cinderella team of the NBA. However, there are still plenty of reasons to be excited for next season.

Fans are eager to see the Pistons get back to their winning ways, and it could come sooner than expected. Here are five reasons to be hopeful for the Detroit Pistons in 2012-13.

1. Right Man for the Job

Joe Dumars gave Michael Curry a one-year trial run and struck out. John Kuester was the next man who tried to right the wrongs of the Pistons, but failed after two seasons. After failing to land Mike Woodson as the next head coach, the Pistons went with their backup plan in Lawrence Frank. It's safe to say Dumars found his guy.

Frank doesn't yet have the credentials as the Pistons' head coach, but he was impressive in his few seasons as the New Jersey Nets' head coach. Frank guided the Nets into the playoffs in four straight seasons (2003-2007), plus three consecutive winning records ('03-'06).

Now Frank has taken his coaching and leadership to the Pistons bench. Frank is changing the mentality of the team and has created a positive vibe with his players, especially his point guard of the future, Brandon Knight. As long as there are no feuds with his team and the Pistons continue to mature, Frank will be the Pistons' head coach for many years to come.

2. Backcourt of the Future

During the "Bad Boys" era, the Pistons had one of the best backcourts in the NBA with Joe Dumars and Isiah Thomas. Years later, Joe Dumars paired Richard Hamilton and Chauncey Billups together as they helped lead Detroit to a championship in 2004.

Not that these two immediately make the Pistons a contender, but they finally seem to have a new duo set with Brandon Knight and Rodney Stuckey.

Lawrence Frank didn't want to rush Knight into a starter role right away, but in due time he turned the team over to his young point guard. Knight made great progressions as the season went on and earned his stripes as a rookie. With a full offseason and continuous development with his team, Knight can take the Pistons franchise very far.

For many seasons, head coaches tried to make Rodney Stuckey into a point guard. With the growth of Knight, Stuckey was able to slide over to shooting guard and highlight his natural ability as a scorer. Stuckey drives the lane as well as anybody in the NBA and has had some big fourth quarters for the Pistons.

Stuckey was re-signed this offseason to a three-year extension. With Stuckey and Knight emerging and learning each other's game, they will establish themselves as vital building blocks of the Piston's rebuilding era.

3. Greg Monroe

There's no sure telling of how far the Pistons will go next season, but one thing is for certain: Greg Monroe is a star in the NBA.

Monroe has shined as arguably the best player in the 2010 draft class. Monroe put together a fine campaign for Most Improved Player this season, averaging 15.4 points and 9.7 rebounds, including an impressive 31 double-doubles. Monroe became the focal point of the Pistons offense and he took advantage of his opportunities.

Monroe developed a nice 15-foot jump shot as well as a wide range of post moves on the block. If Ben Wallace retires this season, Monroe must improve defensively and take the throne as the man in the middle for the Pistons.

Monroe established himself as one of the best centers in the league and will stay in that elite company as his game continues to get better. The Pistons have lacked a true scoring big man for many years but have finally solved that dilemma with Monroe.

4. Flashes of Capability

Due to the low standards set for this season, tanking for better lottery positioning was always rumored all season, but the Pistons never stooped to that level.

The Pistons had some impressive victories, including an overtime thriller against the Lakers and winning the season series against the Boston Celtics with two out of three wins. The Pistons didn't put together enough wins to establish themselves in the East, but victories of this magnitude showed what kind of fight Detroit had in it.

Instead of tanking, the Pistons focused on their current season and won as much as they could. Instead of throwing in the towel and planning for the future, Detroit worked to create a winning mentality right away. The numbers don't validate that yet, but it's nice to see the Pistons not settle as a doormat in the league no matter their circumstances.

5. 2012 NBA Draft

The Pistons have struck gold the past few seasons in drafting Brandon Knight, Greg Monroe and Jonas Jerebko. With Joe Dumars under heavy scrutiny lately, it's critical for him to land another foundation piece for the young and budding Pistons.

It's unclear of where Detroit will draft in June, but it can use all the luck possible to land a sure-fire player. This year's draft carries a deep pool of talent, especially in the frontcourt.

The Pistons need to find a consistent power forward to play next to Monroe. Lawrence Frank played musical chairs at that position last season, rotating a large number of players at that spot (Jason Maxiell, Austin Daye, Charlie Villanueva, Ben Wallace, etc.). Jerebko and Maxiell are useful role players off the bench, but the Pistons can find better to start in this upcoming draft.

The Pistons aren't a finished product yet and need to succeed on June 28 in this year's draft. The East isn't a dominant conference, meaning the Pistons can sneak up and do damage slowly. There is plenty at stake riding on the Pistons' offseason.