Rockets Next Moves: James Harden, Victor Wembanyama, Young Talent, Power Rankings

The Rockets begin a coaching search in hopes of utilizing their budding stars. ... and in hopes of climbing the NBA power rankings.

It's the best time of the year for the NBA ... but the Houston Rockets are on the outside looking in. 

The NBA Playoffs schedule and seeding has been set, with 20 teams still in the mix for the 2022-23 title. Meanwhile, Houston finished its season with a 114-109 road win over the Washington Wizards on Sunday afternoon. Jabari Smith Jr. led the way for the Rockets with 20 points 6-for-11 shooting and three rebounds and a block.

And now?

The Rockets begin a head coaching search, after parting ways with Stephen Silas after three seasons. This season marked the third consecutive year the Rockets failed to make the playoffs. Reported names that are prominent candidates are: former Celtics coach Ime Udoka, former Lakers coach Frank Vogel, Golden State assistant Kenny Atkinson and Raptors coach Nick Nurse.

Additionally there is the James Harden rumor.

Oh, and the Victor Wembanyama possibility in the NBA Lottery.

But for now?

In the newest power rankings by CBS Sports, Houston lands at No. 28 with their final 22-60 record. The Detroit Pistons, who also will have a new head coach next year, ranked last at No. 30.

Things were a mess again for the Rockets, who landed in the bottom three in both offense and defense. They'll try again next season with a new head coach, who can hopefully maximize the young talent on the roster.

The Rockets are about a month away from the NBA Draft Lottery, where it will be revealed if San Antonio will have the opportunity to take Wembanyama with the No. 1 overall pick. Houston has 14-percent odds at landing the No. 1 overall pick -- tied for the highest odds available.

Meanwhile, a look at the postseason picture ... The No. 1-seeded Milwaukee Bucks and Denver Nuggets locked down home-court advantage while the Phoenix Suns and Los Angeles Lakers seem to be trending up at the right time. The Bucks are the favorites to win the championship while the defending-champion Golden State Warriors successfully avoided the Play-In-Tournament with the No. 6 seed.

And the Rockets? They dream of maybe two huge moves ... and being on the other side of the playoff glass a year from now.

Follow Bri Amaranthus on Twitter and Instagram

Want the latest in news and insider information on the Houston Rockets? Click here

Follow Inside the Rockets on Facebook here

Follow Inside the Rockets on Twitter @InsideRocketsFN