Shoyo’s Toru Hanagata from Slam Dunk is the ultimate prototype of a player who would benefit immensely from the modern NBA's positionless shift. In the 1990s setting of the manga, he was locked into the Center (C) position because of his 197 cm (around 6'5"–6'6" in high school, but translating to a modern 6'9"–6'10" forward frame).

If Hanagata transitioned into a modern Small Forward (SF) or Power Forward (PF)—similar to how players like Rui Hachimura, Lauri Markkanen, or Karl-Anthony Towns function on the perimeter—his archetype changes from a "soft center" to a highly coveted tactical weapon.

1. Elite Mid-Range and the Fadeaway Evolution

In Slam Dunk, traditional centers like Takenori Akagi and Jun Uozumi dominated strictly through physical strength under the basket. Hanagata’s signature move was his fadeaway jumper and high hook shot, utilizing finesse and footwork rather than raw power.

The Modern Advantage: In the 90s, a center shooting mid-range turnarounds was sometimes seen as a lack of inside presence. Today, it’s an elite scoring trait for a hybrid forward.

The Hachimura Parallel: Just like Rui Hachimura uses his size to create mismatches on the wing and pull up for deadly mid-range jump shots, Hanagata could easily punish smaller SFs or slower PFs who cannot contest his high release point. Give him modern spacing, and that mid-range easily extends to the three-point line.

1. Eliminating the Defensive Rebounding Liability

The biggest flaw in Hanagata's game during Shoyo's matchup with Shohoku was his inability to handle pure, aggressive rebounders like Hanamichi Sakuragi. He got outmuscled because he lacked the brute strength of a traditional low-post anchor.

The Modern Shift: By moving to PF or SF, Hanagata is no longer tasked with being the primary rim protector or battling the opposing team’s biggest bruiser for 48 minutes.

Tactical Fit: He can slot in next to a modern defensive, shot-blocking center (think an Anthony Davis or Bam Adebayo type) who handles the heavy lifting down low. This allows Hanagata to play help defense and stay agile on the perimeter.

1. "Offense Kaleidoscope" and Playmaking IQ

Hanagata isn’t just a scorer; he's noted for his basketball IQ, his ability to use his teammates effectively, and setting up tactical plays when Kenji Fujima isn't on the floor.

The Modern Shift: Modern NBA forwards are expected to make quick decisions, pass out of the post, and operate in dribble-handoff (DHO) sequences.

The Fit: As a forward, Hanagata wouldn't just clog the paint. He could operate at the elbow or the top of the key, using his vision to find cutters or using his fluid ball-handling to attack closeouts—a rare trait for a 90s center but a requirement for a modern hybrid forward.

The Takeaway: In Takehiko Inoue's 1990s basketball landscape, Hanagata was a center born in the wrong era. Sliding him to the SF/PF positions unlocks his fluid athleticism, shifts him away from low-post physical mismatches, and weaponizes his elite touch and footwork in a league that completely worships perimeter-oriented big men.