Yes, MH, a player can began his dribble with a drop/toss around another player. The key is when he now runs up to the ball he must dribble upon first contact. He cannot run up and catch it. Your situations concerning a and b are legal. Now keep in mind this is the pro game interpretation. The college/high school interpretation is that you are allowed to run up to it and catch it or dribble it upon first contact after your initial drop/toss.
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eli roe
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