from the economic point of view 99% of basketball clubs in europe is overhyped, since the incomes are despicable compared to the money they're investing...
Maccabi is not one of them, with good incomes from ticket sales and TV rights they might be one of the most profitable european club, since I do think most of the "big's" barely generate 15-20% of invested money into club's incomes.
And imho it's the only healthy way not to rush in a spending spree, but spent to the extent you're able to...
With financial stability, spending within the limits, and a long term plan and long term team building such team can compete for F4 as well... imo the only mistake Maccabi did, was not starting with this strategy this season already.
Calvin will be glad to hear this: Nikola +3 americans, and than later sign young israelis, it won't pan out in the short term, but it would definately pan out in a matter of 3-4 years- the question is wheater Maccabi is willing to wait for it and maybee suffer one bad season due to it...