Approximately 30 seconds remaining in the 1st quarter, Magic player is dribbling the ball in frontcourt. He loses his footing and falls to the floor. He secures possession of the ball and then stands up. NO CALL!

I just checked the NBA rulebook and casebook. There's no case on this topic. The rules do not address it specifically. The rules talk about lifting the pivot foot, but don't say how/if a pivot foot is established when possession is gained while on the floor.

Can it be possible that this is legal in the NBA? I would've sworn that it was not, but now I'm not sure. Any pro guys out there to shed some light?

Chuck

Legal in the NBA. It is in the NBA Rulebook and Casebook, don't have them with me so I can't give you a reference.

As I said, I have both the rulebook and the Q&A in front of me and I can't find a direct reference in either place.

Shame on you, Chuck. You should know better than to question ANY ruling in an NBA game...:)

Basically as long as the official doesn't believe the PIVOT foot has changed, no travel. I know. It's a much different interpretation than NF or NCAA. Fans go nuts when it happens.

I don't have an NBA rulebook, but here in Detroit, TV commentator Bill Laimbeer said that, while it's a travel everywhere else, it's only a travel in the NBA if the player tries to advance the ball. Normally, I wouldn't rely on a tv commentator for a rule, but for the NBA it's all I've got.

Well, here in Boston, I don't trust <s>that thug</s>, I mean, Laimbeer any farther than I can throw him. ;)

I would recommend that you continue that policy :D

Amazingly, I saw almost an identical play in the Spurs/Lakers game last night. Loose ball after a rebound, Danny Ferry goes to his knees to secure it. He stood up and then passed it. No whistle. Can't ever remember seeing it happen before last weekend. Now twice in a week. Wierd.