Aug. 1, 1999
SportsLine wire reports

PHILADELPHIA -- The Philadelphia 76ers retained two key players from last year's 28-22 squad Sunday, re-signing point guard

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Eric Snow and small forward George Lynch.

"Our priority has been to keep our family intact," general manager Billy King said. "Keeping Eric and George is a big part of that.

"I'm just glad now it is official and I'm happy we were able to keep George and Eric part of our group. We're happy with what we've done, but our job's not finished," King said.

King refused to speculate on what future moves the Sixers might be contemplating, either via free agency or trade.

"We're not going to do anything to jeopardize our nucleus by getting rid of a key player," King said.

While no terms were released, it was believed Snow agreed to a contract running from five to seven years, starting around $3 million per season. His agent, Steve Kauffman, did not return phone calls.

Lynch's agent, Lee Fentress, also did not return a call. Lynch earned the $550,000 veteran minimum last season.

FOLLOWING A SEASON IN WHICH the 6-8 Lynch played exceptionally well the first half of the year before being slowed by a knee injury, Sixers' coach Larry Brown said he was hopeful Lynch would return.

The 26-year-old Snow averaged 8.6 points 6.3 assists and 2.08 steals in the first year he received meaningful playing time in his four-year career.

"I think our focus is still the same," said Snow, who considered an offer from the Toronto Raptors before deciding not to leave Philadelphia. "We need for everyone to come out and play hard the whole game, play defense and play unselfishly.

"If we can continue to have that, we can compete with anyone."

The signings of Snow and Lynch bring to 10 the number of players from last year's squad the Sixers currently have under guaranteed contract, plus No. 1 pick Jumaine Jones.

Five other players from last year's squad, along with No. 2 pick Todd MacCulloch, who is playing for the Canadian national team, have yet to come to terms.