Is this the best team Damian Lillard has played on?

I'm not just saying it because they started the preseason destroying Sacramento by 25, before losing to them a couple of nights later, but besides Dallas, I think Portland might be one of the most improved teams, and might be more of a true contender than they've been previously, although there are a lot of really good teams. I think they should be bunched up with Denver, Dallas, and the Clippers, possibly Utah; they should fight for those 2-5 seeds, and have a chance to get home court advantage in the West. This is the first time they've had this level of more consistent 2 way talent on the wings, and though I think they could use someone at the guard spot that can defend guards, I think they should be significantly improved defensively as well. They also should arguably be a dangerous playoff team because they should be much improved in the half court offense, with multiple options to get them easier baskets, playing through their bigs or Melo in post up situations (in different spots), as well as the ability to throw out multiple pick and roll combinations with their guards, who might have more space than ever this season, and I think this could be Damian Lillard's chance to potentially be an MVP candidate, if LeBron, Luka, or Joel Embiid dont win it. I'm interested to see if they can use the correct rotations, and play the way they need to, but I think it should work itself out. 

Lillard, CJ, Covington, Melo, Collins

Derrick Jones jr, Trent, Nurkic, Hood, Little, Simons, Giles

With Collins missing the start of the season, Giles might make sense as a starter, so Nurkic gets used to what should be his role off the bench behind Collins once he comes back. Ideally, I also like the idea of splitting Melo and Nurkic. There is no need to start DJJ and Covington together, when they can go to those lineups for their runs, and you arguably want at least one of them on the floor for you in general. They might prefer Nurkic starts, but they should consider rotating bigs for specific matchups, like Toronto did a couple of years ago with Gasol and Ibaka, and Valanciunas and Ibaka before their Gasol trade

This is Derrick Jones' chance to be a big contributor to a winning team, and bring some of that Heat culture with him, and show how good he actually is on both ends of the floor. He should also help them with their rebounding issue. Robert Covington is obviously a massive pickup, and I think both will work well together, and as defensive anchors on the floor at all times. Harry Giles is also a great fit, as a big that can defend pick and roll, besides Zach Collins, and he can also shoot, playmake, and rebound, as well as defend multiple positions, so I'm interested to see if he comes out of the rotation, if he gets a chance early.  

This could be the best team Damian Lillard has played on, and that could give Portland a chance as a contender in the West, possibly with home court advantage. It could just come down to if they can stay healthy.