Dreams often use imagery and symbols to convey deeper meanings and emotions. In your dream, the ocean can represent the vastness of your subconscious mind and emotions, while the raft may symbolize a sense of being adrift or navigating through life's uncertainties. The person you observed, a familiar but not deeply connected figure, could represent aspects of yourself or someone in your life that you are trying to understand better.

The act of kicking basketballs into the ocean might symbolize actions or decisions that you feel are being lost or not fully appreciated. Basketballs often represent goals, teamwork, and competition, so this could indicate that you are reflecting on your own ambitions or how your efforts may not be recognized.

The man's smile could suggest that there is a positive outlook or encouragement within you, even if you feel disconnected from the situation. It might be a reminder to look for the bigger picture in your life, encouraging you to embrace opportunities and not to be deterred by the challenges that may seem overwhelming.

Overall, consider how this dream relates to your current life situation. Are there goals you feel you're pursuing that aren’t yielding the results you’d hoped for? Are there aspects of your subconscious that you want to explore further? Reflecting on these questions might help you gain more insight into the dream's significance in your life.