NBA analyst takes shot at Ja Morant for being "afraid of Mac McClung", would've liked Slam Dunk Contest winner competing with Zion Williamson

Memphis Grizzlies superstar Ja Morant is well known for his vicious slam dunks on a regular basis. While Morant loves to live above the rim, one NBA analyst believes the Grizzlies point guard is afraid to compete in the Slam Dunk Contest.

The biggest storyline of the 2023 NBA All-Star weekend was the impressive Slam Dunk Contest performance by Mac McClung. The former G League guard was signed by the Philadelphia 76ers before the All-Star break after already being invited to participate in the competition.

McClung had a history of being an athletic guard who could throw down impressive dunks. The dunk contest has struggled to generate the intrigue of some of the top superstars in the NBA. Appearing recently on "The Mismatch" podcast, NBA analyst Kevin O'Connor said he believed that Ja Morant is "afraid of Mac McClung."

"Let's be honest Chris, Ja Morant saying at the podium, 'I'm not doing the dunk contest,' Ja Morant is afraid of Mac McClung," O'Connor said.

O'Connor talked about how McClung will be returning to All-Star weekend next year with the hope of defending his crown.

"Mac McClung is gonna be there next February trying to defend his title, right? Go back-to-back and show new dunks," O'Connor said. "So, I'd love to see these NBA stars, well-known NBA players, trying to take him down.

"It would've been way more meaningful if Mac McClung took down Zion (Williamson) and Ja instead of, you know, Trey Murphy and Jericho Sims. I mean, all due respect to KJ Martin and these guys."

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Ja Morant and the Memphis Grizzlies look to hit the ground running

Memphis Grizzlies star guard Ja Morant

Ja Morant and the Memphis Grizzlies (35-22) will be eager to hit the ground running as the 2022-23 regular season resumes.

Memphis is still five games behind the Denver Nuggets (41-198) for first place in the Western Conference. Memphis looks like a team that could become dangerous in the playoffs. If Memphis can get on a roll in its remaining games, the Warriors could make a push for the top seed.

Morant will lead the way as he's been doing throughout the entire 2022-23 season. He's averaging 27.3 points, 6.0 rebounds and 8.3 assists per game. Morant is also shooting 46.6%, including 32.0% from 3-point range.

Memphis will look to start out the final stretch of regular-season games with a win on Thursday night against the Philadelphia 76ers.