Well, if Al does indeed miss time, there are a few silver linings:
First of all, both Mav and Chip have strengths that are weaknesses for Al. Mav can knock down open threes and Chip has the explosiveness to get to the hoop that no other Gopher has. Not saying they are better players by any means, but their strengths could create problems for opponents in certain situations. They will also surely gain seasoning, which can only help come tourney time.
Secondly, we'll get a chance to see Hoff at point, whom I suspect might be best choice as backup point guard. We could get many opportunities to compare a Mav-Hoff backcourt to a Hoff-Chip backcourt. I've never understood why Tubby doesn't experiment more with his lineups, but now he'll be forced to, and we might learn something from it.
Of course this is a MOOT if the team tanks, but if they can at least tread water and eventually get Al back, this could be a blessing in disguise.