Despite last year's struggles with losses and knee problems, Brooklyn Nets guard D'Angelo Russell remains unfazed by his contract extension negotiations following buddy Devin Booker's max deal this offseason. Instead, Russell has sets his sights on improving his game on a day-to-day basis and helping the Nets grow as a team.

In an interview with The Athletic's Michael Scotto during the NBA 2K19 launch event, the 2015 No. 2 overall pick reiterated his stand when asked about his thoughts on a potential contract extension.

“That’s not something I can control, so I just want to play, to be honest,” Russell said of his extension deadline coming up. “That’s really been my main focus. Staying healthy and finishing the season on a positive note. As a team, there’s a lot that we can really work on. Those have really been outweighing my thoughts on an extension and all of that.”

Russell has spent a lot of time this summer with Booker, who inked a massive five-year max deal with the Phoenix Suns. While Russell isn't all that worried about his own contract, he is using Booker's deal as motivation.

“I’m in the greatest place ever, honestly,” Russell told The Athletic. “Like you said, motivation. I see my best friend sign a max deal. I know where we came from, so that’s plenty motivation that I need. I wake up every morning and go to train, and I feel like I’m in the best shape. I don’t know. The sky is the limit.”

The 6-foot-5 lefty playmaker has all the makings of a modern-day floor general. His averages of 15.5 points, 5.2 assists, and 3.9 rebounds last season show how Russell could be an all-around brilliant player in the league.

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Russell still needs to improve his on- and off-court leadership. It was an issue that played a part in the Los Angeles Lakers' decisions to trade him to Brooklyn. Staying healthy will also be key.

The good news is that when you're down, there's no way but up. That certainly is Russell's mindset, and the whole Nets team should follow suit.