PORTLAND, Ore. -- Golden State Warriors sharpshooter Stephen Curry believes that Ray Allen, the all-time 3-point leader who announced his retirement this week, is in a class by himself.

"To me, he's the greatest shooter ever because of his longevity," Curry told ESPN of the future Hall of Famer's career. "He did it year-to-year and he got up on his shot. That's what made him different. He was a special player."

Allen, 41, made an NBA-record 2,973 triples during an 18-year career with one of the prettiest shooting strokes. He won two NBA titles and was a 10-time All-Star.

Stephen Curry says a goal of his is to one day break Ray Allen's record for career 3-pointers made. Brian Babineau/Getty Images

When Curry's father, Dell Curry, played for the Milwaukee Bucks during the 1998-99 campaign, Allen would challenge the 10-year-old Curry to shooting contests.

"Those were fun times," Stephen Curry said.

Last week Curry became the fastest player to knock down 1,600 3-pointers, achieving the mark in 497 games. Allen previously held the record at 693 games. With good health, Curry, at 1,610 treys made, has a legitimate shot at surpassing Allen to become the all-time leader.

It's on Curry's radar.

"He gives me something to shoot for," Curry said to ESPN. "That's a goal of mine."