After watching the Miami Heat sputter offensively in the preseason, Pat Riley realized his team was in desperate need of perimeter help.

He's counting on newly acquired Ricky Davis to provide an immediate boost.

Davis will slide into the injured Dwyane Wade's spot at starting shooting guard when the Heat open the regular season next week, Riley said Thursday, one day after the Heat pulled off a five-player trade with the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Miami sent Antoine Walker, Michael Doleac and Wayne Simien to the Timberwolves, along with a conditional first-round draft pick for Davis and Mark Blount.

"The securing of a perimeter player who could score, who could shoot, who had experience as a starter transcended all other needs. And that's why we did it," Riley said. "The preseason showed we didn't have what we needed presently at that position, even though I think we have players who can help us."