[...] despite the sting of a humiliating playoff defeat, the Atlanta Hawks seem closer than ever to winning a championship. Carroll made it clear he wants to return to Atlanta if the price is right. "Since we know how it feels to get here, it'll be easy to get back here," he said after the final game in Cleveland. The Hawks also will be monitoring the health of Kyle Korver and Thabo Sefolosha, two key players recovering from season-ending injuries. Korver underwent surgery Wednesday night to repair ligament damage in his left ankle, though the expected recovery time of three months should allow him to be ready for the start of training camp. [...] backup guard Shelvin Mack separated his right shoulder in the final game of the season and will have surgery next week. If the Hawks decide not to reinstate Ferry, Budenholzer could wind up taking on an expanded role in player personnel matters, likely assisted by assistant GM Wes Wilcox — similar to the arrangement in San Antonio with Gregg Popovich, who was Budenholzer's mentor. The Atlanta coach would like to bulk up on the inside this offseason, especially after the Hawks were dominated on the boards by the Cavaliers.