Chuck,
NBA RULES, It is NEVER allowed to hit the ball once it has hit the
backboard.
Rule 11-1.d,e. A PLAYER SHALL NOT...
d. During a field goal attempt, touch a ball after it has touched any part of the backboard above ring level, whether the ball is considered on its upward or downward flight.
e. During a field goal attempt, touch a ball after it has touched the backboard below the ring level and while the ball is on its upward flight.
That's why you see players get the ball to the backboard as soon as they can.
NBA rules, if it's on the board and you pick it off, it's
goaltending.
