After all, Efes will not become … the second Jugoplastica, which from 1989 to 1991 won three European Championships in a row.

Expensive Turkish team after two consecutive Euroleague trophies eliminated in their hometown of Fener from six Greeks: Dimitris Itoudis, Tyler Dorsey, Kostas Antetokounmpo, Nick Kalatis, Stefanos Dedas and Kostas Hatzichristou.

And he didn’t make the playoffs. He didn’t even have time to hit them, which makes the failure even bigger.

What happened, in fact, to the whole Ataman and the successful colossus of the previous years collapsed like a paper tower?

This usually happens to all teams regardless of budget. Years later, Efes, for various reasons, tried to upgrade the trunk that kept it on top. And when the chemistry is broken, the degree of difficulty increases dramatically.

Kruslav Simon, James Anderson, Adrian Moerman, Chris Singleton, Philip Petrushev left the team last summer. They weren’t the stars of the team, but they had certain roles that they respected in awe, closing any gaps that were about to be made when A-list players did “belly” or were injured.

For example, Simon was an economic player in the Ephesus region. He had experience, a clear mind, and almost always offered solutions, either in the organization or with his reliable shot. But he reached 37 years old…

Moerman, apart from his passion, never hesitated to stick his hands in the fire, push, “eat firewood”, get rebounds, keep the game calm and “safe”. At 34, Efes didn’t want to risk a renewal.

Thus, the Turkish team has lost its rigidity and mentality, which in the team, no matter how much money is in the piggy bank, cannot be “repaired” in a few months.

Efes has Clyburn, Polonara, Ebaye and Zizich. Very important and brilliant moves, but it turned out that they never entered the spirit of the team and Ataman. Another superstar flanked by Larkin and Micic brought a fatal shift in balance, discontent and a slow and convoluted offensive function.

In forwards, Polonara disappointed, as did Ebaye. Singleton has gradually returned to centers, Dunston hopefully reached 36th, Playe is considered an assist decision, and Zizic is now eyeing the NBA.

But the most important issue for the Efes leadership is Ataman, whose contract expires in the summer and, as he showed, accepted an offer from Panathinaikos (and maybe not only from him). Dunston, Beaubois, Bryant and Singleton also expire in the summer, but not Micic (although he is looking towards the NBA), Larkin, Clyburn, Place and Ebaye.

Efes will have to endure perhaps the most difficult summer in recent years. For now, no one knows who will stay and who will leave, and Ataman’s future remains a key mystery.

However, the example of the Turkish team shows that in a team sport with a very delicate balance and features like basketball, money does not always bring happiness. Basketball requires chemistry, structured, purposeful and continuous work. Success is not bought.

And on the opposite side we see Olympiacos. Not because of his ranking position, but thanks to his game, his desire for goals, the adaptation of players to the coaching “Wishlist”, the harmonious balance of roles and movements on the floor.