Stephen Jackson: Byron Scott can't communicate with young players

Although Stephen Jackson hasn't suited up for an NBA game since early 2014, the 37-year-old apparently still keeps tabs on the league in which he played for 14 years.

After being drafted by the Phoenix Suns in 1997, "Cap'n Jack" got his first true shot in the Association with the New Jersey Nets (since relocated to Brooklyn) during the 2000-01 campaign.

Just as the late-blooming Texan was catching his stride that season - even making the rookie-sophomore game - he found himself, mysteriously, in then-Nets head coach Byron Scott's doghouse.

"I made the rookie All-Star Game at the end of the break, and after the break, he did not play me no more," Jackson told 120 Sports.

After his lone, tumultuous season under Scott in New Jersey, Jackson eventually found his niche as a scoring punch off the bench for the San Antonio Spurs throughout the next two seasons.

Vindication for Jackson came in 2003, when the Spurs defeated his former squad, led by Scott, in the Finals.

Chiming in on recent reports of Scott's tough love approach with 21-year-old Julius Randle, Jackson has some advice for the Lakers' youngsters.

"D’Angelo Russell and Randle, do not pay attention to Byron Scott," he said. "He is the worst communicator for young guys. I would not advise a young player to even listen to Byron Scott, because he is the worst coach at communicating with young guys, and I’m living proof."

Scott has certainly had a few head-scratching takes on his young players this season, which may support Jackson's claims.