5 seconds after a shot

[Hawks Coach]

I think a little leeway is in order, but you have to see it to call it. If they want to get the right player to the ball, I think they should have a moment to do that. But game situation needs to come into play. This sounds like a soccer-style clock management technique could be at work here. Soccer always has a running clock during "dead balls," and teams switch inbounders (also legal) when holding a one goal lead with time running down to gain a few seconds here and there.

In this case, imagine B down a few points and pressing to get a couple of quick scores with the time running down, and A waiting to locate the right inbounder while the clock runs a few precious seconds away. I wouldn't give A much time to stand and stare at the ball, because it is taking an unfair advantage of the clock. In the first quarter, with A organizing themselves to break the press, the situation is entirely different and the magnitude of the time loss significantly less. I would give them a little more time. But you also just have to have a feel where enough is enough, and start counting it.