It was easy for Jermaine O’Neal. He wants to play basketball, he wants to win, and he wants to have a ring on his finger after next season. So he had to sign with the team he considered the NBA’s best. The Heat? Nope, try again. “Obviously, they have a great tandem down [in Miami] but I felt this team has the best team,” said O’Neal, speaking about his new team, the Boston Celtics.

And the war of words between the Heat and Celtics has offically begun. I’m digging the hostility. (ESPN Boston)

“When the opportunity arose for me to join an organization like the Celtics, I could not refuse,” said O’Neal. “I cannot wait to get to Boston and start to practice with the rest of the team in pursuit of a championship.”

O’Neal says he’s hungry for a ring and knows the Big Three and the remaining core from the 2008 title team are hungry for a second, so that’s why he chose Boston over other suitors.

“We’re very excited to have him here,” said Celtics president of basketball operations Danny Ainge. “He brings a great deal of leadership and knowledge. I think his game is a perfect fit and complement to the guys we have on the roster.”

O’Neal also said he has texted Rasheed to convince him out of retirement. But before you fans get worried Sheed might come back, Ainge said it probably ain’t happening. The Celtics still plan to use his retiring contract to secure a free agent.