The Memphis Grizzlies and former assistant general manager Kenny Williamson, who died in 2012, had strong interest in selecting Stephen Curry with the No. 2 overall pick in 2009.

Curry's agent, Jeff Austin, declined the Grizzlies' workout invitation.

The Grizzlies used the second overall pick to draft Connecticut's 7-foot-3 center Hasheem Thabeet.

Curry is playing against the Grizzlies in the second round of the playoffs with Game 2 on Tuesday.

Williamson "said he needed him down for a workout to convince the owner," Austin said. " 'Without a workout, I can't get him. But if he comes in and works out, I want to push him for our No. 2 pick.' We chose not to have him go to Memphis. The two big believers were Larry and Kenny."