Rules questions...

[Freddy]

Originally Posted by scooter2

First scenario: Player from team A is taking the ball out of bounds underneath team B's basket. He attempts to throw the ball long, but it hits the underneath portion of the backboard. The ball bounces directly to the floor. Once he establishes positioning on the court, can player A be the first person to touch the ball?

Rule 9-2-6: The thrown ball shall not touch the thrower in the court before it touches or is touched by another player.
The case you cite, if properly called, results in a violation. The fact that it hits the the underneath portion of the backboard is irrelevant.

Originally Posted by scooter2

Second scenario: Player from team A attempts to throw a skip pass to a teammate from one corner to the other. The pass strikes the side of the rim and caroms back to the passer. Can he retrieve the pass without committing a violation?

Casebook 9.5 seems similar: A1 dribbles and comes to a stop after which he/she throws the ball against: (a) his/her own backboard; RULING: Legal in (a); a team’s own backboard is considered part of that team’s “equipment” and may be used.
Though not perfectly parallel, a valid assessment of the case you cite might be drawn from this similar situation. No violation.

Others will no doubt give better (or correct?) answers shortly, I'm sure.
Thank you for prompting me to review these rules and situations!