Zach Lowe released his annual tiers of the NBA column today. No surprise to find the Raptors under "solid playoff teams, but nothing more.", you can read the entire thing here to see where everyone else slots in.
Here's what Zach had to say about the Raptors:
Toronto Raptors: There is a more tumultuous downside here than people might realize, but even if some of that downside hits, there’s no way these guys should miss the playoffs. They have too much talent, with a remodeled defense and an offense that should remain powerful even without Lou Williams, Greivis Vasquez, and the underrated — but always limping — Amir Johnson.