Shaquille O'Neal said on Monday night that he decided to sign with the Celtics instead of the Hawks because he felt Boston gave him a better shot at another NBA title.

"These guys are one step away," O'Neal said before the Celtics played the Hawks Monday night in Atlanta. "But I love this town. I've had a home in Buckhead for 15 years."

Hawks coach Larry Drew says the Celtics were better fit to add a veteran like O'Neal.

"They have a blend of veteran players with the core of their team, and it's a lot easier to fit in a vet like Shaq," Drew said.

"If we brought him in here, it would be a little tougher. I don't think his personality would have fit with our guys. It makes more sense to have veteran guys around him."