Ray Allen: David West's Ego Got In The Way Of A Deal With The Celtics

The often soft spoken Ray Allen was disappointed to hear that former New Orleans Hornets star, and new Indiana Pacers recruit David West was not going to sign with the Boston, ESPN Boston reports. Allen believes that West’s ego got in the way of him joining the star studded Celtics.

"Once it got down to the end, I think his ego kicked back in," Allen told ESPN.com. "He wanted the dollars. I guess it comes down to 'What is a championship worth to you?'

"Think of all the guys who have made $20 million and could be considered one of the best ever, but they get chided because they never won. We [the Big Three] all had to do less when we won. We're still taking less to make it work. But it's worth it. No one can ever say to KG, Paul or me, 'You guys never got your ring.'"

It was initially believed that West, who had spent his entire career in New Orleans, would sign a complicated three-year, $29 million deal with the Celtics. The eight–year veteran elected to switch paths and sign a two-year, $20 million deal with the Pacers instead.

Last season West averaged 18.9 points and 7.5 rebounds per game in 70 contests with New Orleans.