Why do we hand on the baseline

[jeffpea]

there is no advantage gained by bouncing the ball when on the baseline. once you had the ball to the inbounder, just take 1 or 2 steps away, if needed.

the reason we bounce the ball along the sidelines is to be in better position to officiate the current play and prepare to officiate the transition action if there is a quick steal on the inbounds pass.

[BLS]

I don't have an answer, but have the same question.

For two-man, the Officials Manual says
- Hand the ball if throwin is from the front-court end-line.
- Bounce the ball if throwin is from back-court end-line and there is no defensive pressure.

Seems the direction is to hand the ball if there are defenders around - but leaves me wondering why.

For three-man, back-court end-line throw-ins aren't specifically addressed.