I don't know all of the details but I do know that Ike's high post defense is a strength few bigs can match. He moves quickly and decisively to cut-off the player driving and then (with hands up) slides back to guard the big. Since many teams use the high post pick-and-roll, Ike is critical to defending that part of the game. Also, Drake Jeffries was very quick and could guard quite well, as well as rebound (great vertical) and hit threes. Those qualities are not so easy to replace. When you add four new players to the rotation things get messy. Coach Linder also has to deal with Maldonado pressing his offensive game, so it is tough. Give the coach time to work through all of these issues and then judge. Until then, I am staying patient.