BOSTON (CBS) – The Boston Celtics are close to getting guard Avery Bradley back.

The Celtics guard told reporters prior to Wednesday night’s 104-94 win over the Timberwolves he is getting close to returning to practice after undergoing a pair of off-season shoulder surgeries.

“I’m maybe a week or two weeks from returning to practice,” Bradley said.

Bradley suffered numerous shoulder dislocations during the regular and postseason last year. He was sidelined in the second round of the playoffs against the Philadelphia 76ers after dislocating his left shoulder in Game 4, and underwent surgery shortly after.

Not too long after that, Bradley underwent surgery on his right shoulder as well. It has been a long process to get back, but it appears there is light at the end of the tunnel. Bradley hopes to be back in the Celtics lineup by the beginning of the new year.

Bradley is one of the reasons the Celtics turned their 2012 season around late in the year, thanks to his insertion into the starting rotation. He gave them a defensive-minded guard to play next to Rajon Rondo, and another young player to run the floor on offense.

Bradley averaged 7.6 points and 0.7 steals for the Celtics in 64 games played in 2012. He started 28 games last season, including all 10 playoff games he appeared in.