Held ball, traveling, or a legal play?

[erikengquist]

If a player leaves his feet with the ball but a defender puts his hand on the ball, thus preventing a shot, can the would-be shooter intentionally drop the ball and recover it? Obviously, if the ball is knocked out of his hands, causing a loss of control, he can recover and start a new dribble. But what if the ball is not knocked out? I have seen many players upon being "stuffed" just drop the ball on purpose while airborne and pick it up to avoid coming down with the ball (which would result in a held ball). What's the call? Thanks in advance.