Q: If a player has possession and is in the air for a shot, and the shot is blocked free of his hands, can he catch the ball before it hits the ground or is this traveling?
A: Similar to the question about, if the player no longer has control, the ball is considered loose and he may be the first to touch it. No traveling call would be made on this play.

The full answer is on Donnie’s website.   He is the NBA’s VP of Referee Operations

nba.com/2013/news/10/24/ask-donnie-q-and-a/

This question came up in many of our pickup basketball games.  So I emailed Donnie.   He is the NBA’s VP of Referee Operations.  Below was his response.

nba.com/2013/news/01/10/ask-donnie-q-and-a/

Q: I am having a debate with a friend about the hand being a part of the ball. He feels the hand is part of ball, but only when contact is incidental. My understanding is the hand is part of the ball in all circumstances, even going to the extreme of whacking a guys hand hard when he is shooting or dribbling.
A: You are correct. The hand is part of the ball when it is in contact with the ball. But keep in mind that only the part of the hand that is in contact with the ball is considered as part of the ball. So if you’re shooting and an opponent slaps your wrist, that’s a foul.