hand is part of the ball - clarification

[jdavisbyshore]

Huge disagreement at work. Hand is part of the ball. It is my opinion that while making a legitimate play on the ball the defenders hand may contact the hand of the offensive player as long as it is on the ball. I dont believe that it makes any difference if the offensive player is shooting, dribbling, or standing. For example, if a player is holding the ball and the defender slaps at the ball and hits hand and ball (not wrist) and makes a slapping noise, is it a foul (non-flagrant manner)? Thanks to all. I would appreciate as many postings as possible. This guy may only take Larry Bird's word or maybe the supervisor of NBA officials.