The Detroit Pistons’ Derrick Rose dribbles during a preseason game against the 76ers on Tuesday in Philadelphia. (AP photo)

What they did do last season was make a playoff appearance, a rarity in recent years. Now the challenge is to build on that.

“Not saying we’re ready for a championship, but we’re taking some big steps,” coach Dwane Casey said. “This is a bridge. We’re going across it, to continue to improve offensively, defensively, to get to our ultimate goal, which is to win a championship.”

The Pistons have resisted the win big-or-tank model that seems to be all the rage in the NBA. Two seasons ago, they gave up a first-round draft pick in a trade for Blake Griffin. That wasn’t enough to put them in the playoffs in 2018, but they made it a season ago and were immediately swept by Milwaukee.

There’s still a clear gap between Detroit and the top teams in the league, but there’s also enough talent on hand that the Pistons could rise a bit in the Eastern Conference.

The Detroit Pistons' Langston Galloway plays during a preseason game against the 76ers on Tuesday in Philadelphia. The 76ers won 106-86. (AP photo)

Last season was only the second playoff appearance in 10 seasons for this franchise. Winning a round would be another step forward.

“We’re not here just to get by, or just to get into the playoffs,” said Casey, who is entering his second season at the helm.

With Griffin and center Andre Drummond under big contracts, the Pistons haven’t had much roster flexibility and Detroit hasn’t been a prime destination for free agents.