Dumb question... Tracy McGrady All-star Dunk

[not-an-expert]

I see it all the time in 3-on-3 pickup games. A player drives baseline, takes an un-tipped, errant shot that hit's the backboard but never strikes the rim. His momentum carries him under the rim so he catches the ball on the other side and lays it in.

Maybe I'm misinformed but I thought that that was illegal. It happened yesterday and someone reminded us all that McGrady did it in the All-star game. He passed the ball to himself off the backboard and dunked it... an amazing thing of beauty! I countered that the only reason it wasn't called a travel is because he did it in the All-star game.

They weren't convinced, nor was I.

But I'm sure you guys know. Can you legally pass the ball to yourself off the backboard?

Thanks for the advice. You'll satisfy many with your answer.